The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) requests Council approval to apply for, accept, and expend grant funds for the Northwest Transit Center/Memorial Park/Heights Shared Use Path hike and bike project to improve multi-modal accessibility, connectivity, and safety to Memorial Park.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is seeking grant applications for the funding of transportation projects within the eight-county transportation management area, to include the City of Houston. The 2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Call for Projects will commit federal and state funds allocated to the region to implement roadway, transit, and alternative mode projects over the next 10 years. Projects selected for funding are eligible for reimbursement of up to 80% of eligible design and construction costs. TIP applications are due on October 31, 2018 and awards are anticipated to be announced in Spring 2019.
The proposed Northwest Transit Center/Memorial Park/Heights Shared Use Path will provide approximately 4 miles (23,100 linear feet) of bicycle and pedestrian accessible pathways to Memorial Park from the MKT Trail and the Northwest Transit Center. The project includes the construction of a bicycle/pedestrian bridge spanning IH-10 to facilitate north-south access. This project will facilitate alternative mode connections for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users, through the connection at the Northwest Transit Center.
HPARD is requesting grant funds in the amount of $7,598,515. Harris County District # 1 and the Uptown Development Authority approved a joint resolution on June 27, 2018 committing to providing the local share in the amount of $1,899,629 and maintenance for the project. If the project is selected for TIP funding, interlocal agreements will be brought before Council for the commitment of matching funds, cost overruns and project maintenance.
Director's Signature:
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Steve Wright, Director
Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Fiscal Note:
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.