|
|
|
History of The City of Tomball,
Texas
Tomball is located along State Highway 249, 28 miles Northwest
of downtown Houston. Although it’s close to Houston, it is far
from being a suburb. Tomball has been here for 90 years, first
as a railroad town, and later as an oil town. The community’s
name was given in honor of State Senator Thomas Henry Ball in
1907 because of his influence in establishing Tomball as a
railroad center for the transport of agricultural products. An
oil boom hit Tomball when a 100 foot gusher was brought in
during 1933, attracting hundreds of new residents. Local
residents received free natural gas for over 50 years in
exchange for exclusive rights by Humble Oil and Gas to drill
within the city. Functioning as a commercial center for a large
portion of Houston’s rapidly growing northwest quadrant, the
Tomball area has developed a strong economic base: Compaq
Computer Corporation, Kwik Kopy Corporation, Friendswood
Development, BJ Services and many other companies.
As a result of Tomball
residents approving an increase of ½ cent to the city’s sales
tax for various economic development,
The Tomball Economic
Development Corporation (TEDC) was formed. Numerous projects
have resulted from this additional half penny on the dollar; two
new firetrucks, a new fire station, new police department
construction, rehabilitation of the city’s baseball fields,
along with funding an infrastructure (engineering) study for
long range plans dealing with annexation and increasing sewer
and water lines. The TEDC is also funding a sub-regional
detention pond that will help with drainage in the area, and is
taking a pro-active approach to bring quality business and
manufacturing to Tomball. Future projects for the TEDC include
the south side sewer plant, a new swimming pool and a staff to
execute their mission and development of Tomball’s south and
west sides.
|
|
