There’s a green light for the Central City Flood Control Project — aka the development that will create the 800-acre Panther Island, Fort Worth’s long-awaited walkable waterfront district — in the form of $403 million.

The federal grant comes from the US Army Corps of Engineers to finish construction of the project’s bypass channel. The channel is a key component of the project, connecting the Trinity River’s Clear and West Forks to redirect the river’s flow + divert flood water in emergencies. It’s also what will make Panther Island an island. The bypass channel is currently 50% complete.

A win for the city

The grant’s announcement is, in the words of Mayor Mattie Parker, “an incredible moment in Fort Worth’s history.” This project has been decades in the making, and after years of funding hold-ups and construction delays, this allocation of money is some much-needed grease on the wheel.

What to expect

Designing + hiring contractors for the bypass channel is an 18 month process, according to corps’ spokesman Clay Church. The city will also need to relocate certain utilities before construction begins. According to Clay, here’s the part of the project you can expect to see completed first.

Function vs. form

The money has been granted because of Fort Worth’s flood risks — according to the Trinity River Vision Authority, the project will save 2,400 acres and $2.4 billion from catastrophic floods, the likes of which the city saw back in 1949.

A component of the overall project that the federal money won’t touch is the creation of “Panther Island” or Central City, a revitalization of the city land that will turn into an island when the flood project is completed. Think shopping and dining, new residential units, and a sprawling riverwalk (similar to San Antonio’s) designed to be a major city attraction.

EVENTS

Today

Will Bannister | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 6:30 p.m. + 9:30 p.m. | The Corkyard, on Simmons Bank Plaza at Dickies Arena | Free | Enjoy Will Bannister’s music, influenced by the hits of 1990’s country. 🎤

Friday

Make & Take: Czech Kolaches | Fri., Jan. 21 | 1-3 p.m. | Central Market Fort Worth, 4651 W. Freeway | $65 | Cook from the Texas Czech culture + leave with a variety of filled kolaches. 🍽️
FOCUS: Jill Magid | Fri., Jan. 21 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | $10+ | Join the opening day of Jill Magid’s new exhibition at The Modern, with drawing, sculpture + installation. 🎨

Saturday

Parents’ Night Out | Sat., Jan. 22 | 5-10 p.m. | Fort Worth Zoo | $50 | Enjoy a kid-free night out while your children enjoy pizza, a movie, crafts, and a night hike through the park. 🦓
Zach Pack and Billy Hartman + Dayne's Craft BBQ | Sat., Jan. 22 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lola’s Trailer Park, 2735 W. 5th St. | Cost of Purchase | Enjoy live music + barbecue until it's sold out. 🍖

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

NEWS NOTES

Weather

37º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

Opening

Holy restaurant news — check out the eateries opening in Fort Worth including Meehan's Chophouse and Henry's Cigar Lounge, a steakhouse at former Mellow Mushroom space 101 S. Main St. Two Scooter’s Coffee drive-thrus are also coming to Cleburne + Burleson, and another Heim Barbecue will open in Hudson Oaks. 🍔 (CultureMap Fort Worth, Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
New plant-based options are available at AT&T Stadium from Sweet Earth. Find them at dining options around the stadium including General Concessions to try plant-based dishes like Touchdown Tater Tots, tater tots with jalapeno jack cheese + plant-based protein Mindful Chik'n. (WFAA)

Edu

The Fort Worth school board approved a new district voting map this week. The new map is being instituted after the 2020 Census showed the city’s significant population growth. It changes the electoral boundaries of each nine districts and was approved by a 5-3 vote. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Community

Results are in from the latest Fort Worth community survey: Of the 1,858 households surveyed, 77% were satisfied with the quality of life in our city, 71% were satisfied with public safety services, and 65% were satisfied with water + sewer services. Residents were least satisfied with city roadway project delivery at 27%.

Pets

The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act went into effect in Texas this week, requiring outdoor dogs to have access to drinkable water + safe restraints — meaning no chains. The law also defined adequate shelter and removed the 24-hour warning period for owners of dogs in distress. Here’s the local SPCA contact for resource assistance.

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📸 @KFWB_TX

We’re feeling 3,315 lbs lighter today — probably because that’s how much debris + litter a group of TCU students picked up at Cobb Park + Echo Lake Park on MLK Day.

The good work didn’t stop there, as the Eta Psi Chapter of TCU’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity also planted new trees this Monday at Rolling Hills Tree Farm. Between the fresh trees, lack of garbage, and community spirit abounding in our city, has it ever looked more beautiful?

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THE WRAP

Editor's pick: Has anyone checked out this crazy and colorful ride yet at the FWSSR fairgrounds? 🎡

Missed yesterday's newsletter? We're talking 66 miles of bike trails connecting Fort Worth + Dallas.

Today's edition by:

Sarah

FTWtoday Team

Editorial: Rebecca, Sarah, Dayten, Josh

Sales: Sherry

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