Local reps seek $400 million for METRO

Would fund new buses, rail

Steve Hawley, May 07, 10.

US Reps. Al Green, Gene Green, and Sheila-Jackson-Lee have jointly requested four federal appropriations grants for METRO transit projects, totaling $400 million, according to their websites. The requests are for Fiscal Year 2011, which begins on October 1.

The largest request is $125 million to build a commuter rail line from Missouri City to the Fannin South light rail station. According to Green’s website, there would be four stops along the 8.2-mile route, allowing Missouri City residents to commute to the Texas Medical Center in less than half an hour. The METRO Solutions website says that METRO hopes to complete the line by 2012.

The other three requests include $100 million each for the North and Southeast light rail extensions and $75 million to expand the bus fleet and replace aging vehicles.

All three representatives also asked for $1 million for an environmental impact study for the proposed I-69 corridor.

In addition, Gene Green and Jackson-Lee requested $5 million for pedestrian improvements in the East End and $2 million to reduce freight rail congestion in Houston. Al Green asked for $1.13 million for pedestrian improvements in the Westchase District, $250,000 to plan a Westchase intermodal transit facility, $5.5 million for parks and trails along Houston’s bayous, and $1.35 million for bike trails in the Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention Basin.

Jackson-Lee asked for $5 million for pedestrian improvements near Buffalo Bayou, $2 million for a transit terminal in the Greater Southeast Management District, and $650,000 for a park-and-ride at the Asia Society near 610 and San Felipe.

Gene Green requested $2.5 million to redevelop part of downtown Baytown, $4 million for trails and sidewalks in Baytown, 1 million for pedestrian improvements near Baytown bus stops, and $1 million to improve streetscapes in Baytown neighborhoods.