After 14 years in the making, Wharton drivers have a straight shot from Boling to U.S. 59 as the FM 1301 extension opens today. The new road, spanning 37 acres annexed by the city in ’22, was built by TxDOT for $14.5 million. Officials, including Mayor Tim Barker, will mark the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at FM 1301 and U.S. 59-Business. City leaders expect the extension to fuel major commercial growth, eventually bringing $34 million in property tax revenue.