International District receives $1.6M Grant for Hike and Bike Trails from Texas Transportation Commission

(Houston) ….The Texas Transportation Commission recently approved $1.6 million in funding for District hike and bike trails announced Executive Director David Hawes. Hawes states “…We were thrilled to learn the news late last week that our request had made the final list for funding and we want to thank everyone at the Texas Department of Transportation for their assistance throughout the process and officials at the City of Houston for their support.” The trails are a component of the District’s Master Plan which was approved by the Board of Directors of the District earlier this year. In addition to the trails, the District has more than $1,000,000 in planned improvements for 2010 which include District street signage, wayfinding and beautification projects. Hawes states that “…more than $3M in improvements will be undertaken over the next 24 months which will substantially change the look of the District.”

The International Management District Bikeways project is located in southwest Houston along an existing east/west, Harris County Flood Control District conveyance channel located between Bellaire Boulevard and Beechnut. The project proposes a 2.3 mile hike and bike trail which will connect three heavily used parks in the District, Art Storey, Boone Road, and Hackberry Parks. The trail will include benches and rest areas along with trail signage and markers, District wayfinding signage, native grass plantings, and existing bridge enhancements unique to the District.

Hawes goes on to say “….the Board of Directors under the leadership of Chairman Wea Lee and the Environmental and Urban Design Committee, led by Chair Karen Loper, worked diligently to develop the plan which will be implemented in phases.” He credits Loper, with keeping the process moving along and for always keeping the overall benefit to the District property owners in mind when making recommendations to the full board as to project funding and implementation schedule.

State Representative Hubert Vo who authored legislation which created the District in 2007 states “…I am very happy that were we’re finally able to bring additional resources into the area. These improvements will help to enhance the overall quality of life in Alief and will benefit both residents and business owners. This is exactly why I began working with local business leaders in 1999 and later fought for the legislature to form the International District. This hike and bike trail will be a wonderful compliment to the many other improvements already planned by the District”.

To learn more about District services visit www.IMDHouston.org or contact the Executive Director, David Hawes, (713) 595.1209 or Director of Public Safety and Services, Brian Burks, (281) 564.5252. District offices are located in the Universal Shopping Center at 11360 Bellaire, Suite 960, Houston, Texas 77072.