Texas Central Railway announced its final corridor recommendation Feb. 17 for the proposed construction of a 240-mile high-speed rail from Houston to Dallas by 2021.

Population growth in the Greater Houston area continues to put a strain on groundwater resources throughout the region.

The Commissioners Court unanimously approved Feb. 23 a $350 million road bond election for May 9.

An increase in building material costs and a shortage of skilled laborers—two problems construction companies in the Greater Houston area faced in 2014—are expected to continue in 2015.

Nearly two years after the project was expected to break ground, construction is now underway on the long-awaited overpass at the intersection of FM 1488 and FM 149 in Magnolia.

Born and raised in different parts of Mexico, Higinio and Ascención Amado moved to California at 16 years old and 10 years old, respectively.

The Trails of Katy, a new master planned community located near I-10 between FM 1463 and Pederson Road, opened March 3 and has begun selling homes

The Magnolia area will soon be home to a new two-story, 30,000-square-foot medical center.

Creekside Park resident Matthew Burton has organized a petition to ask The Woodlands Development Company to stop clear-cutting trees.

A love for all things Texan inspired Christy Conrad to open Texas National Outfitters in 2012, a boutique that specializes in custom boots, leather products and other unique Texas gift items.

HR Bullpen openedinearlyJanuary at 21815 Oak Park Trails Drive, Ste. 204. The company offers professional recruiting services for job candidates to its client companies. Clients meet one-on-one with a member of the HR Bullpen recruiting team to learn about the hiring company’s culture, goals and needs for candidates. 281-407-4450.www.hrbullpen.com 

Recently many Katy residents have traveled abroad, competed in rodeos or shopped in newly opened stores.

When Katy Mills opened in 1999, city of Katy officials envisioned the mall as an engine for growth for the city.

When construction of the new Katy City Hall is complete in spring 2016, the hope is that residents will feel as if the building has been there all along, according to city administrator Byron Hebert.

The bursts of warm weather we’ve experienced have me thinking that spring is right around the corner.

Hawks Landing features dozens of newly built homes with prices ranging from $195,000 to $410,000.

Hot Tubs of Katy openedinearly December at 455 Katy Fort Bend Road, Ste.300.Theshopspecializesinoutdoor entertainment and offers Sunbelt hot tubs, grills, patio heaters and accessories. The store sells a line of hot tub chemicals and provides services to monitor hot tub chemical levels. The shop can also set up electrical and other construction services to get a hot tub up and running. 281-371-8827.www.hottubsofkaty.com 

With a menu full of catfish and shrimp dinners, po’boys and authentic Cajun-inspired food, Seafood on the Geaux has something for everyone.

BB’sCafeopeneditsfifthrestaurant, its first outside Houston, at 406 W. Grand Parkway, Ste. A-400, in late January. Offering what it calls “Tex-Orleans” food—traditional southern Louisiana- style cooking fused with a Texas twist–the restaurant is known for po’boys and gumbo. The company opened its first Houston location in 2007 and offers dine-in, take-out and catering services. 281-665-7843. www.bbscafe.com

The University of Houston system is looking to move forward in a big way with ongoing efforts to become The Energy University in Houston.