Driving Economic Growth: FM Roadways in the Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District

FM roadways, or farm-to-market roadways, are more than just transportation arteries: they are veins that uniquely pump life into the economic heart of the region. Often originating from rural areas, they serve as lifelines, connecting communities, businesses, and industries. They also play a crucial role in the Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District’s (WMPID) commitment to effective and progressive urban planning, economic development, and sustainable growth.

Enhancing Regional Accessibility and Development Through Continuous Investment

Did you know FM roadways are unique to Texas? They are symbols of Texan culture and make up over half - 41,000 of the total 73,000 miles - of the Texas highway system. The first FM road opened in 1941. Eight years later, in 1949, the Texas legislature guaranteed permanent funding for new FM roads across the state. This funding reserves 1 cent for every gallon of gasoline sold in Texas, plus another $15 million annually.  

The investment in FM roadways is a direct investment in economic development. As WMPID continues to grow and expand, improvements to the surrounding roadways become essential. Regular upgrades and maintenance ensure smoother traffic flow, reduce commute times, and enhance overall transportation efficiency. This, in turn, makes the district more attractive to businesses and investors, fueling economic expansion.  

FM Roadways Support Sustainable, Healthy Living

At WMPID, our vision is to make Magnolia Parkway a true parkway…one that features beautiful landscaping, bike lanes, and sidewalks. By optimizing the surrounding roads, including FM roadways, we’re demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development and a healthy lifestyle to those in surrounding communities. By encouraging the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking, we’re helping to reduce reliance on individual vehicles, mitigating congestion and pollution.

FM roadways provide more sustainable solutions for businesses, too! With efficient transportation routes and easy access to commercial centers, retail outlets, transportation hubs, and industrial zones, movement of goods is simplified. For the surrounding communities, this means a boost in local commerce, job creation, and overall economic sustainability and prosperity.

We’re On Our Way

The geographic positioning of FM roadways in WMPID contributes to enhanced regional accessibility, connecting residents to employment opportunities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. This improved accessibility enriches the community’s quality of life and attracts businesses and investors seeking well-connected locations for their operations.

We’re continuing to enhance and improve roadways in WMPID. One of our current projects, the Tamina Road improvement project, includes the District’s first pedestrian use project that will add walking paths, landscaping, and bike lanes. You can read about the projects we’ve completed, what we’re working on, and what we’re planning by visiting our projects page. For more information about FM roadways, improvement projects, or bringing your business to WMPID, feel free to reach out to our team, and website www.wmpid.org.