Washington, D.C. – Recently, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX- 29) voted to pass H.R. 8294, the Fiscal Year 2023 Six-Bill Appropriations minibus. Included in the minibus are 6 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests Congresswoman Garcia championed.
This funding package is a historic $560+ billion investment in our nation. It includes appropriations bills from Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs.
“Houstonians deserve the best communities possible, that’s why I’m proud to announce more than $12,000,000+ in federal funding for six community projects across Houston are included in the minibus,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “These funds will strengthen Houston’s infrastructure, nurture the region’s economy, and invest in local neighborhoods. I promise to continue the fight to secure these funds for residents across my District.”
The legislation includes the following Community Project Funding:
- Project: Target Hunger Campus and Education Center
Background: The project will create a dynamic hub for food assistance operations with expanded food storage, educational programming from a new 2,400 sq. ft. education center with a 30-seat community classroom and allow the space for on-site social service navigation. These services will help lift food insecure residents of the 29th Congressional District out of generational poverty
- Project: Expanding affordable Housing Opportunities – Las Brisas Redevelopment, Houston
Background: Nonprofit Avenue will provide much-needed affordable housing in Texas’ 29th District by rebuilding and expanding Las Brisas apartments, located in the Greater Heights. Avenue has decided to rebuild and expand the complex by purchasing the property next door and replacing the existing complex with 195 new apartments, the majority of which will be affordable to low-income households.
- Project: UH Technology Bridge Infrastructure Development
Background:
Located at the University of Houston (UH), the UH Technology Bridge will dedicate the funding across several strategic investments designed to reconfigure and build out new space tobetter meet the needs of both UH researchers and industry partners. This growth would contribute significantly to the greater Houston area economy, providing new job opportunities, and drawing sizeable new industry partners to the area. It would also help establish the University of Houston as a top public university in the country.
- Project: Navigation Boulevard Reconfiguration Project:
Background: The reconfiguration of Navigation Boulevard between Lockwood Drive and Mack Street will convert the existing six-lane roadway into a facility that includes two lanes including grade-separated commuter bicycle/pedestrian facilities and the creation of a linear park with increased greenspace that will enhance access to high-capacity public transportation on Lockwood to the west and Harrisburg to the south. In addition to bicycle and pedestrian connectivity elements, the project also proposes upgrades to the existing pavement (bringing conditions to a state of good repair), upgrades to stormwater infrastructure to meet post-Hurricane Harvey design standards, and other public utility upgrades (water/wastewater) as appropriate. This project will support the economic vitality of the area and provide the infrastructure necessary to support smart growth.
- Project: Restoration of the Historic LULAC Chapter 60 Clubhouse
Background: The LULAC Clubhouse was once the epicenter of Latino advocacy and civil rights organizing in the 1950s and 60s, both in Houston and nationwide. Today, the modest two-story 1,837 sf structure first built in 1907 sits largely overlooked, unknown, and in need of repair. The $2.7 Master Plan developed in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, RLDR Architects, and educational consultants call for extensive exterior and interior renovations necessary to create a new multi-use cultural and community hub dedicated to preserving Latino history and activating a new generation of civic service.
- Project: The Magnolia Park-Manchester Services Hub
Background: Funding for additional services hub will kickstart an investment into creating Anchor Hubs in the Complete Communities neighborhood of Magnolia Park-Manchester located in the 29th District which will further the development of the additional programs, projects, and services identified by residents in the Complete Communities Action Plans.
Original source can be found here.
