Houston to receive $15 million TIGER Grant

For pedestrian/bikeway network

Matt Dietrichson, Jun 21, 12.

The City of Houston will be receiving $15 million from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant program (TIGER), to be used on over 18 miles of hike and bike trails, sidewalk improvements, and on-street bikeways, according to Congressman Gene Green’s website:

Green stated, “I am pleased that the Department of Transportation has chosen to make this important investment in our communities. Improving our pedestrian and bike infrastructure will make it easier for our constituents to get to work and run errands. It will mean they stay healthier and are able to use public transportation more often.”

Congressman Al Green said, “I am proud to have been a part of the team effort, which will bring TIGER Grant jobs to Houston. The jobs associated with these transportation projects will help our city’s economy continue to move forward.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee added, “I am pleased that officials here in Washington, DC saw it fit that Houston’s projects meet the highest requirements for funding eligibility through this Tiger Grant. I was pleased to work strategically with my colleagues both Congressman Gene Green and Al Green to assure the residents of Houston have the best when it comes to transportation options to invest in the improvements for roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities.. These federal funds will help create jobs and put Houstonians back to work. Providing new or better transportation connections for residents and commuters is critical to livability.”

Houston has the largest number of bike commuters in Texas. The City’s plan aims to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, support the current demand for trails and bikeways, connect important destinations like Houston’s major universities and downtown, and provide alternative transportation to important economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

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Houston Tomorrow participated with many others to pursue this grant.

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