Houston Awarded $43 Million Grant for Gulfton and Kashmere Gardens Communities

March 21, 2024

HOUSTON - The United States Department of Transportation announced the City of Houston will receive $43.4 million in federal funding through the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) program for the Gulfton and Kashmere Gardens Resilient Sidewalks Project. The Gulfton and Kashmere Gardens Resilient Sidewalks Project will invest in repairing and replacing sidewalks and incorporate drainage improvements to mitigate urban heat island effects. This project will create a stronger pedestrian network and enhance mobility for all, while alleviating environmental and socio-economic barriers within the Gulfton and Kashmere Gardens communities.

The RCN program was created to advance community-centered connection and transportation projects, with priority given to transformational, context-sensitive strategies that benefit disadvantaged communities by improving access to daily needs and removing barriers to connectivity. Federal funding from the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant (NAE) Program will cover the costs of implementing this project. The City of Houston’s application included the Resilient Sidewalks Plan developed through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery 20217 funds (CDBY-DR17) for planning activities after Hurricane Harvey. 

“This funding will help provide transportation equity in two of Houston's most disadvantaged neighborhoods,” said Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock. “This project will not only provide drainage improvements to help mitigate flooding but improve the area's sidewalks to ensure that all users can travel safely within Gulfton and Kashmere Gardens.”Construction is scheduled to begin in Winter 2026. More information about the project can be found online at EngageHouston.org.

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