News

In the 1920s, Amarillo was booming – thanks in part to the discovery of natural resources such as helium. Amarillo’s population practically doubled during the decade, reaching more than 43,000 by the end of the 1920s. During this period of rapid growth, the City of Amarillo (COA) built the River Road Wastewater Treatment Plant (RRWTP) in 1927 – a facility still in use today. Fast forward about three decades to 1960, and Amarillo had grown again to more than 137,000 people. In 1965, the COA added the Hollywood Road Wastewater Treatment Plant (HRWTP)– a facility that is also still in use today. As Amarillo’s population has continued to increase through the years to more than 203,000 residents, these two facilities exclusively (almost a combined 160 years old) have continued to serve a growing and ever-changing community. (Neither facility has undergone any major upgrades in more than 20 years.) At the request of city council, the city is addressing the future of these vital pieces of Amarillo infrastructure and how the city prepares for the needs of residents. Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper has made multiple wastewater treatment plant presentations to council, the latest coming last month. “The city is looking at every option we have as we move forward with a plan,” Hooper said. The latest plan presented to council includes a pivot from a previously discussed plan that does not include the construction of a singular wastewater treatment facility but rather facility improvements at the HRWTP in conjunction with expansion, along with the future rehabilitation of existing plant components. Flood control issues at the HRWTP (which is in a floodplain) will also be addressed. The RRWTP is undergoing an assessment to determine operational modifications and expansion for future growth. The goal is for the community to have facilities capable

Thanks to an impressive array of volunteers, the staff at the City of Amarillo (COA) Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) and the support of the Amarillo community, 346 animals now have a new home. AAMW wrapped up its annual “Clear the Shelters” campaign at the end of August – culminating a monthlong effort. Clear the Shelters is a nationwide initiative led by NBCUniversal that encourages pet adoption and helps reduce overcrowding in shelters. AAMW’s Clear the Shelters was a resounding success – resulting in 346 pets adopted in August. The goal was 325. “Our community really came together to make this a successful Clear the Shelters month,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Katrena Volden. “The dedication we saw from Amarillo residents gives us real momentum as we continue building a brighter future for pets and the citizens of our city.” As part of the campaign, AAMW waived adoption fees for August, removing a financial barrier to pet adoption. In addition, adopted pets went home spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations. The Amarillo community also responded as 68 volunteers participated in animal enrichment activities, walking pets and assisting with adoptions. In addition to residents, volunteers came from Ascension Academy, the West Texas A&M Pre-Vet Club, AmTech and the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. Sponsors also played a large role as Pet Supplies Plus donated funds to create adoption folders and coupons for new pet owners and adoption bags filled with supplies. Sponsors also included 806 Coffee, Torchy’s Tacos, Palio’s Café, Domino’s Pizza, Diamond in the Ruff, Georgia Street Taphouse and Market Street United. “AAMW is thrilled and grateful that so many groups and individuals responded and made this campaign a success,” Volden said.

After more than 20 years of service to the City of Amarillo (COA), Chief Financial Officer Laura Storrs has announced her retirement, effective February 2026. Storrs, an Amarillo native who began her COA career in 2003 as intern while attending West Texas A&M, has held numerous positions with the COA, most recently as CFO since 2020. In addition to overseeing the city’s multimillion-dollar budget, she leads COA departments such as Finance, Purchasing, Utility Billing and Vital Statistics. “Laura’s career is a testament to dedication, integrity and public service,” said COA City Manager Grayson Path. “She has been an invaluable member of our leadership team, and her contributions have helped build the strong financial foundation our community relies on today. While we are sad to see her go, we are deeply grateful for her many years of service to the City of Amarillo and its residents.” Storrs’ city career includes tenures as budget analyst, city auditor, finance director and assistant city manager. She has a Master of Professional Accounting degree from WT and is a CPA. Through her career advancement, Storrs helped guide the city through decades of responsible award-winning budgeting, audits and financial planning. Her tenure has been marked by a modernization of financial systems, successful audits and budget oversight milestones. “It has been an honor to dedicate my career to the City of Amarillo, an organization that I have loved since the very beginning of my journey as a college intern,” Storrs said. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I am grateful for the colleagues and mentors who have made these years so meaningful.”

Summer hours of operation at the City of Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare Department (AAMW) will end effective Tuesday (September 2). As of Tuesday, hours of operation at AAMW will be:

A series of projects at John Stiff Memorial Park are underway that will increase accessibility and convenience for park visitors. Primary among these projects is a road improvement project (RIP) that will begin the week of September 8. “There are a series of significant enhancements underway at John Stiff Memorial Park aimed at improving safety, accessibility and overall user experience for all who enjoy the park,” said COA Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba. “We are excited about these projects. They represent a significant investment in the future of the park and will provide long-term benefits.” Improvement projects include: What the public needs to know regarding the RIP: The COA appreciates the patience of residents and motorists during this time. Motorists are advised to please heed all traffic designations. “We recognize that construction can be inconvenient, but these improvements are designed to meet the growing needs of our community,” Kashuba said. “We thank everyone for their patience as we work to deliver a safer, more accessible and more enjoyable park.” COA has included a map of the RIP for additional information: