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Halls Bayou Greenway Project Grant Awarded by Texas Parks and Wildlife
September 16, 2003
Harris County just received its first Regional Park Grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, funding $2 million for the "Halls Bayou Greenway" project. The total project cost is estimated at $6.4 million. Harris County was the only sponsor (applicant) out of eight who applied whose application for a regional park grant was approved at the Commission's August 28 annual meeting.
"It is gratifying. This additional partnership with the State is a most welcome addition to our efforts to provide flood control and a livable environment to neighborhoods hard hit in Tropical Storm Allison and other severe events over the years. We want neighborhoods to be not only relieved, but also glad that we came by, and more parks and trails with the State will make that more likely," Harris County Public Infrastructure Department Executive Director Art Storey said about the State funding.
The Halls Bayou Greenway Project includes work along Halls Bayou, providing connectivity to Greens Bayou. It also includes an extensive trail system into Keith-Wiess Park and through the proposed Bretshire Detention Basin. The Halls Bayou Greenway Project enhances trail connectivity and recreational opportunities along a linear greenway and several prominent parks, in coordination with a much-needed Harris County Flood Control District project called the Halls Bayou Flood Damage Reduction Project. The projects include land acquisition for the purpose of multi-use facilities, conservation and water quality/ habitat features. The trails proposed as part of this project connect Houston parks, County parks, two Harris County Flood Control District detention basins, an existing Harris County jogging trail and approaches two funded TEA-21 hike and bike trails. Other amenities provided for in the Halls Bayou Greenway Project include four detention basins covering approximately 17 acres, reforestation plantings, wetland plantings and a boardwalk, soccer fields and a playground. Environmental education programming related to this project is expected to be developed by the Aldine Independent School District.
"We believe that the Halls Bayou project is an important conservation and recreation action as evidenced by our recent approval of the regional park grant application. The park will be a cooperative effort that will provide multiple public benefits including control of flood waters, preservation of important conservation property that will reforest and replant wetland and provide several outdoor recreation opportunities," said Tim Hogsett of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The project has been a true collaborative effort. While Harris County has taken the lead, other project partners include the Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Precincts 1 and 2, the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Aldine Community Improvement District, and the Aldine Independent School District. The team welcomes the addition of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to the collaborative project through this grant.
The Regional Grant has been funded through the Texas Recreation and Parks Account, an account that is funded through a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods.
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