Wharton moves forward with road bypass
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP news@leader-news.com

A significant step forward has been taken in Wharton's plans to extend FM 1301 to the U.S. 59 freeway at FM 102.

The Wharton City Council recently approved a purchase agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad for a 4.78-acre tract at the intersection of FM 1301 and Richmond Road, just south of Subway.

The price for the parcel is $92,000. An additional $17,000 will be added to that cost, though, for the removal of a sign that now sits on the property.

The total bill - $109,000 - will be covered by the Wharton Economic Development Corp. City officials said the closing date for the sale is Dec. 15.

Plans are to extend Boling Highway to CR 235, the first phase of a project that seeks to eventually connect the Farm to Market road to U.S. 59.

The city will be responsible for the actual costs of extending 1301.

Obtaining the 4.78 acres is a crucial first step in making the project a reality, Garza said.

"That's a key acquisition. It borders on a major thoroughfare," City Manager Andres Garza Jr. said.