Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2018
HOUSTON (March 13, 2018) – Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a joint agreement today in which Precinct One will pay $30 million to improve seven streets in the Texas Southern University-University of Houston corridor.
Dubbed the “Complete Streets” project, the improvements dovetail with Mayor Turner’s Complete Communities program that involves improving neighborhoods. Precinct One is committing $15 million to improve infrastructure near TSU and another $15 million to projects around UH.
“This is an example of how Harris County can innovatively and strategically partner with the City of Houston, our universities and other entities to improve mobility, safety and quality of life for all residents,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Precinct One is looking forward to supporting TSU and UH, and the entire Third Ward community through this project.”
Designated streets in the TSU area will include Cleburne (Emancipation to Scott), Blodgett (Scott to Ennis) and Attucks (Cleburne to Wheeler). The streets near UH are Cullen (Interstate 45 to North MacGregor), Wheeler (Cullen to Scott), Elgin (Scott to I-45) and Holman (Scott to Cullen).
“We are grateful to Commissioner Ellis for his leadership on this major project for Texas Southern University and the funding from Precinct One. Also, we would like to thank Mayor Turner and Councilmember Dwight Boykins for their dedication and ongoing support of TSU,” said TSU President Austin A. Lane. “We are excited to partner with our neighbors at the University of Houston to improve the streets and further beautify Houston’s historic Third Ward.”
Texas Southern University students will serve as interns on the project. Harris County Chief Engineer John Blount will use engineering students from both UH and TSU to assist with planning and design.
The goal is to create streets that are attractive and enhance the neighborhood’s character while improving safety and accessibility to all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and transit riders. In addition to roadway work, the project includes drainage improvements that will help reduce street flooding during heavy-rain events.
“A more pedestrian- and bike-friendly corridor will help bring neighbors together and encourage a healthier transit. I also hope this project will help drive economic development for the Third Ward,” Commissioner Ellis said. “This project will significantly enhance the gateways into these great institutions by creating a beautiful streetscape for students and residents. The improvements will help hundreds of Houston residents who attend classes and work at the universities.”
Category: Students, News Media