Rep. Green Encourages METRO to Upgrade Infrastructure in East End

Houston, TX - Rep. Gene Green this week sent a letter to the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Houston encouraging them to use funds received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to build an underpass at Harrisburg Boulevard and the UP/BNSF rail crossing.

“There is a large amount of support in the community for an underpass for the grade separation at Harrisburg Boulevard and the UP/BNSF rail crossing in our history East End neighborhood,” said Green.  “An underpass will relieve noise pollution, preserve the historic character of Harrisburg Boulevard, ease the flow of pedestrians, and contribute to the economic development of the neighborhood.”

METRO is scheduled to receive $92 million dollars in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  METRO leadership has advocated for a project slated to run $40-50 million dollars that will convert 83 miles of High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes into High Occupancy Toll Lanes.  This leaves an additional $42-52 million left over for other projects.

“Using these funds for an underpass at this crossing will complement the East End light rail project.  These leftover funds give METRO the opportunity to meet transportation challenges in the East End, and I encourage the leadership of METRO to consider using these funds for a much needed underpass,” said Green.

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