City News: Panther City, aka Fort Worth
What the city is saying.
Public meetings, funding, schedules and decisions on the Trinity River and Panther Island, explained simply, with a link to the official source on every story. The project has been in the works for about 20 years, with schedules pushed back again and again, and the overall target is now 2032.
Latest news
- Central City Project Open House: Oct. 22 at Northside Community CenterThe Army Corps, TRWD and the City host a free open house on the Central City Flood Control Project, including the North Bypass Channel, on Thursday, Oct. 22.
New stories are added as official announcements come out. Summaries are written by Panther Island Update; always check the official source for changes.
Watch the City Council
The latest full City Council meeting, from the City of Fort Worth’s official YouTube channel. Below, meetings and reports focused on the Central City flood-control project and Panther Island.
City Council Meeting, October 13, 2026.
Central City Bypass Channel sewer main relocations: community construction meeting
Floodplain Management Plan public meeting #2, Aug. 13, 2026 (City of Fort Worth)
Army Corps of Engineers helping fund renovation project for Panther Island
Fort Worth project to reroute Trinity River takes first major step
Panther Island bridges
What is Panther Island, and why isn’t it done?
Swipe or scroll sideways for more. Videos belong to their creators or to the City of Fort Worth. See all meetings on the City’s channel.
Twenty years, in short
Key moments in the Panther Island and Central City flood-control story, each with its source. Dates come from news reports and official announcements and can change.
2006
The first formal vision plan for the land is developed. Source: Urban Land
2022
The Army Corps moves toward separate contracts for the north and south channels, flood-proofing, the pump station and dams. Source: Fort Worth Report
Early 2023
$403 million in federal money is announced for the final design and construction of the bypass channel. Source: Dallas Innovates
March 2024
Vision 2.0 is presented: a framework for a mixed-use waterfront district on about 190 developable acres. Source: HR&A Advisors
January 2025
The project, estimated at about $1.16 billion, is still reported on track for 2032 despite delays. Source: Fort Worth Report
June 2025
Federal construction disputes push the flood-control work back again. Source: Fort Worth Report
September 2026
A $169 million contract is reported awarded for the north bypass channel, with construction expected to start this winter or in early 2027. Source: Yahoo News
Oct. 22, 2026
Public open house on the Central City project at Northside Community Center, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Source: City of Fort Worth
Panther Island Update is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or project. Check official sources for current details.
Official sources
Where the news starts. Bookmark these.
Army Corps: Central City
The federal flood-control project and the North Bypass Channel.
Don’t miss the next one.
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Panther Island Update is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or project.
City news questions, answered
What is the status of the Panther Island bypass channel?
The Army Corps awarded a roughly $169 million contract for the north channel, with construction reported to start this winter or in early 2027. The south channel was reported to still be in design. These are reported dates and may change.
How much does the flood-control project cost?
Sources differ. Congress has authorized up to $526 million and about $403 million has been committed for final design and construction of the bypass channel. Estimates of the total project cost range from about $1.16 billion to higher figures in 2026 reports.
When is the next public meeting?
The City of Fort Worth lists a public open house on the Central City project on Oct. 22, 2026, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Northside Community Center.
When will Panther Island be finished?
The overall completion target has been 2032, as reported by the Fort Worth Report. Earlier targets slipped, so treat it as a target, not a promise.
Where do the news items come from?
City of Fort Worth, the Tarrant Regional Water District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local news reports. Each item links to its source.
Panther Island Update is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or project. Dates and plans can change; check official sources.