La Porte approves Microsoft soil donation to Beechwood Golf Course; one‑day haul planned week of Aug. 17

City staff presented and the Board of Works approved an agreement to accept soil from Microsoft's nearby site for use at Beechwood Golf Course. Nick Otis described the plan as a mutual benefit: an initial estimate of about 10,000 cubic yards of soil and delivery provided by Microsoft and Ryan Central. Otis said the volume is fluid but gave context: "You're looking at 15 to $25 per cubic yard" in market prices, which equates to roughly $150,000 in donated material before delivery costs.

Officials said the work is planned as a one‑day haul during the week of Aug. 17 and that staff will notify homeowners about truck traffic; Otis said "we're saying the week of the 17th" but that an exact date had not yet been set. Board members asked that delivery be coordinated around school bus routes and that Ryan Central cover grading at Beechwood at their cost. The motion to approve the agreement passed on voice vote.

The board also asked staff to keep neighbors informed and to confirm the final truck schedule so residents can plan around the expected high truck volume.