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FY24 Community Project Funding Requests

The City of Humble Public Safety Improvements

The City of Humble, located in Harris County, Texas has a population of 16,396, The Police Department operates with one station and 65 officers in addition to 38 civilian personnel. In 2022, the Humble Police Department responded to 32,165 calls up by 8.2% from 2020. Growth in the community has increased demand for services and the need to increase the force to 80 officers in 5 years. To meet this demand an additional 12,000 square feet is needed at the police station for staff, training, file and record storage. Funding request is for architectural design and engineering. The request for the Police Department includes an upgrade to the in-car camera system for 53 patrol cars and the station interview room. The City seeks funds to purchase a vehicle for the City's Warrant Officer. The City of Humble Fire Rescue has two stations staffed by 45 duel certified firefighter/paramedic/EMTs and 6 paramedics. Humble Fire Rescue responded to 1,045 Non-EMS related calls and 4,159 EMS calls for service in 2022 an increase of 21.37% and 21.34% from 2020, respectively. Fire Station #1 is 33 years old has reached the end of its useful life despite the City's best efforts to maintain and patch the antiquated building. The existing station has no capacity for additional personnel or apparatus; training and skills areas are limited. The structure is unfit for occupancy at this point, but they have no other place to operate it is literally crumbling. The City anticipates needing to construct an 18,000 square feet facility that will provide adequate space for housing, offices, apparatus bays, training, storage and community areas. Cost are about $10.7 million to demolish the existing structure, architectural and engineering design services, construction, and temporary housing personnel and apparatus. Humble Fire Rescue in this request is to purchase a vehicle and equipment to replace a utility vehicle and side-by-side all terrane vehicle. The total cost is $1,018,000.

Amount: $2,873,453
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P118-08-00 Conveyance and Detention Improvements

This project will construct approximately 6,500 feet of channel conveyance improvements along Halls Bayou Tributary P118-08-00 and constructed associated detention. Conveyance improvements will include channel widening and culvert/outfall replacements. Channel conveyance improvements will be mitigated by the Wayside and Tidwell Stormwater Detention Basins, which will be built prior to the channel conveyance improvements. The ultimate project will remove the pre-Atlas 14 100-year floodplain from 180 homes and the 500-year floodplain from 245 homes.

When implemented, P118-08-00 Conveyance and Detention Improvement will provide permanent flood risk reduction benefits. This watershed has significant volume of repetitive losses. In a pre-Atlas 500-year storm event, the northeast section of the community would experience 2-3 feet of water within their homes. The ultimate project will improve the hydraulic performance of existing conditions by containing the 1 percent (100-year) event within channel banks and reducing the number of structures impacted by the 500-year event by 245. The ultimate project will remove the pre-Atlas 14 100-year floodplain from 180 homes and the 500-year floodplain from 245 homes. The construction of the Wayside and Tidwell stormwater detention basins will provide immediate benefits by reducing the flooding inundation area and water surface elevations during high intensity rain events. The construction of the Tributary P118-08-00 conveyance improvements and associated detention will provide immediate benefits by reducing the flooding inundation area and water surface elevations during high intensity rain events, with the ultimate goal of providing a system capacity for a 500 —year pre-Atlas rainfall event.

Amount: $ 19,950,000

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Project 11 segment 5 and 6 + ATONS

As part of Segments 5-6, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will design and improve two dredged material placement areas (i.e., Glendale and Filterbed), deepen the Houston Ship Channel up to 41.5 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), and improve Brady's Island Turning Basin to a minimum 900 feet diameter. Without Fiscal Year 24 federal funding for Segments 5-6, the USACE will have to delay the design of the placement sites and subsequent Houston Ship Channel dredging. The US Army Corps of Engineers has identified that widening the Bayport Ship Channel area requires relocating two existing Aids to Navigation (ATONS). The first ATON is located near LBC Terminal, and the second ATON is situated near the BSC Terminal. Without relocating the ATON towers for visual alignment, the Houston Pilots cannot safely navigate the widening in the Bayport Ship Channel. The relocation of these ATONS is vital for the vessels traversing the Houston Ship Channel to be able to navigate the future width and depth of the new waterway safely and efficiently.

Amount: $8,600,000

Certification letter here

Adaptive Reuse of Historic African American Church - Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church

The funding would be used for development of a 1.4-acre property (2209 Emancipation Avenue) with an historic church, Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church, built in 1926 by African American architect William Sidney Pittman. The area is also one of Houston's state-certified Cultural Arts Districts. The City of Houston is seeking to reimagine this church, which sits at the gateway to Third Ward, into a cultural arts center to provide much needed flexible performance and community meeting space for the community. This project will be the cornerstone of a property that will eventually include affordable live work housing and street level commercial retail space for ongoing economic revitalization of Emancipation Avenue. The goal of project is to preserve, protect, inspire, and share the artistic and cultural legacy of the Historic Third Ward, which has enjoyed a long and transformative history of collaboration among artists, small business owners, and community members."

Amount: $5,000,000

Certification letter here

Fifth Ward Economic Impact Initiative

This project located in Houston's historic Fifth Ward will fund the creation of 26 affordable rental homes, the construction of 20 new affordable homes and the restoration of 30 existing homes. Additionally, the request focuses on removing an interior wall to double the Center's square footage, converting the thermostat and replacing old doors for temperature and energy control, and renovating the small bathroom for handicap accessibility. Additionally the project will fund the construction of an athletic complex and community center that will provide jobs in the local market and educate youth to become productive citizens who contribute to their communities. The complex will host workshops, skills training, and even sports physical events.

Amount: $11.709,560

Certification letter here

Community Support Services Cooperative

This project will fund the rehabilitation of existing property and the expansion to an 18-unit building will be done in a manner that all of our facilities will be ADA-compliant and LEED certified. The existing 50-unit, affordable housing complex serves 50+, low-income people aged 62 and over. The current structure is inadequate to serve tenants properly. In the years since its construction, it is no longer ADA-compliant. Phase II of the project will also allow to use adjacent land to extend the existing building and create an additional 18 1-bedroom/1-bathroom units for seniors 62 and above. Each unit will provide 642 sq ft of living space along with access to office space and an outdoor pavilion. The booming growth of Houston's senior population, coupled with the rise in gentrification and limited affordable housing creates a huge need for additional units in the WALIPP Senior Residence. This property provides targeted services to some of our community's most at-risk residents. The program will also support educational and advancement pathways that provide justice and equity in employment for young adults emerging from foster care, transition-age youth, and historically marginalized and underserved Houstonians. It will also provide will provide evidence-based psychotherapy, outreach, prevention, and education for community members.

Amount: $10,350,000

Certification Letter here

Crime Prevention and Violence Prevention

The funding would be used to help supporting law enforcement efforts in Congressional District TX-18 by creating a pilot Business Watch Program for the HPD South Central Division, and by supporting the continued work of the Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D., Inc.) through the purchase of equipment and training materials in furtherance of expanding and improving the Advance Certification Training in anti-drug and violence prevention and life skills education and program evaluations of effectiveness.

Amount: $ 1,259,018

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Transportation Accessibility Project

The Near Northwest Management District (NNMD) proposes to reconstruct Alabonson Road between N. Houston Rosslyn Road and West Little York Road/Victory Drive with new pavement, intersection improvements, increased drainage capacity and multimodal facilities. The corridor is in poor condition, with no multimodal facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. There is a lack of lighting and the roadway experiences flooding during normal rain events. The reconstruction will improve safety and access to schools, recreation areas, and transit nearby the corridor. This funding request is for Phase 1 of the project. Phase 1 activities consist of detailed design and environmental work for the entirety of the corridor, and construction of a portion of the project. The construction under Phase 1 would be for improvements at the intersections of Alabonson Road and W. Little York Road/Victory Drive and at the intersection of Alabonson Road and N. Houston Rosslyn Road (including a portion of Alabonson Road). Additionally, The project proposes the installation of railroad crossing gates, raised median, sidewalks, signs and pavement markings at sixteen (16) crossings to establish railroad quiet zones in two communities. The improvements make it possible for trains to avoid honking horns as they approach the street crossings through primarily residential communities. Quiet Zones enhance safety and improve quality of life of residents within the community as well as all roadway users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, who will benefit from the safety and operational improvements.

Amount: $6,800,000

Certification letter here

Japhet Creek Trail and Park Phase 2

The request will fund construction phase activities associated with the restoration of the natural spring-fed Japhet Creek to provide trails, pedestrian bridges, boardwalks, wildflower meadows, and wetland remediation improvements. The project will address local water quality issues related to urban runoff pollution and creek health, promote environmental conservation and stewardship, and connect the Fifth Ward to the Buffalo Bayou Trail and Park system. The site's major trail will provide a link from the intersection of Billy and Emile Streets to and across Buffalo Bayou to the south and will make 40 acres of park space accessible to the Fifth Ward. This request is for $4M in Housing and Urban Development funding through the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) account. The Partnership is committed to providing the local cost share for any funding awarded. The total estimated construction cost of this project is $12M. Japhet Creek Park is one of Buffalo Bayou's few remaining natural tributaries and is currently almost entirely hidden from public view and is largely inaccessible. The proposed project will transform the area into a key connection to Buffalo Bayou to include: - New pedestrian, bicycle facilities, and nature trails along the creek, linking a series of natural play and interpretive elements. - Wayfinding signage. - Stormwater mitigation improvements to capture stormwater and reduce run-off and the introduction of sedimentation and non-point source pollutants into the creek and into Buffalo Bayou. - Lighting for safety and visibility. - Observation trails and decks over the creek. - Improvements to natural areas to ensure streambank stabilization. - Native plantings and landscaping consistent with the natural environment. - Access to public transportation, jobs, and educational opportunities via the extensive trail network.

Amount: $ 4,000,000

Certification letter here

IAH Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Station

The project will demolish the existing fire station and build a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Station #92 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The new station will be approximately 22,000 gross square feet and include 6 apparatus bays, administrative offices, dormitories, a common area, and parking. Moreover, the fire station will have direct access to Taxiway SB and Runway 9-27. The total cost of the project is $17.23 million. Further, construction will commence at the beginning of the 2nd quarter of 2023 and is expected to be completed in September 2024. This project is vital as IAH expands, as the existing fire station and facilities are outdated and incapable of providing sufficient capacity for the airport. As such, the IAH Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Station project provides a pertinent safety function. Additionally, this effort will usher in construction jobs and new opportunities for firefighters and airport personnel, ultimately benefiting the larger community's economy.

Amount: $5,000,000

Certification letter here

Economic Development Cooperative

A cooperative comprising East Houston Redevelopment as the lead, joined by Launch Point, SAFE Diversity, Young Invincible and Sonrise Shelter that will leverage their resources to address preservation and restoration, while addressing homelessness. The project proposes the restoration of blighted structures, instillation of murals which will be illuminated with solar-powered lighting, making them visible at night as beacons where homeless persons can find safety and assistance. The cooperative will maintain the restored and new art installations. The project will address living spaces for homeless persons by engaging youth and communities together to accomplish each step of the project for finding balance within communities to support paths out of homelessness. The project also aims to promote community engagement and education throughout the project. The GEHCRC and the artists will engage with the community to educate them on the importance of public art and the project's impact on the community's resilience. Additionally, the GEHCRC will host events and activities to promote community engagement and social cohesion. Overall, the project's success would not only beautify the areas in select communities throughout Houston as well as serve as a source of community pride and promote social cohesion. The project will engage local artists to ensure the success of this project.

Amount: $1,175,000

Certification letter here

Greater Third Ward Community Development and Workforce Initiative

This project aims to develop and implement at the University of Houston, a workforce training program, the Center of Excellence in Health Coaching, that will increase the diversity of the healthcare coaching workforce and improve the teacher preparation pipeline for future health coaching educators. The demand for Health Coaches has grown exponentially and the industry is set to double its growth in the next few years, increasing employment opportunities for current students and existing healthcare professionals. This nine-month virtual workforce training program will provide three levels of training (basic, advanced, and preparation for national certification) and includes financially accessible training options. Additionally, the project seeks to develop several neighborhood focused mobility improvements across various corridors. The scope of work is inclusive of roadway rehabilitation, drainage improvements, sidewalk improvements, and bicycle facilities.

Amount: $8,000,000

Certification letter here

Houston Community Development Cooperative

The project will consist of two buildings with 8 units each, featuring 840 square feet with fire sprinklers, a covered patio or balcony and high-star energy efficient appliances. The interior will be constructed using dry wall with a rating of R-15 and the ceilings will be 9 feet with a rating of R-30. Each unit will be carpeted with washer and dryers' units, microwave ovens, ceiling fixtures, refrigerators with icemakers, and storage. The building will wood-framing on a concrete slab with wood subflooring in all units with a brick and Hardy Plank fiber cement siding exterior. The roof will be composite shingles with a life expectancy of 30-years. The HVAC System will be 16 SEER which will allow the units to be more energy efficient. The project will also feature other green components such as water conservation features, irrigation and landscaping, sub-metered utility meters, and thermal/draft efficient doors. The perimeter will be fully fenced with controlled access and a secured entryway. All units are designed to assist low- to moderate income families. Additionally, by providing financing to developers on their eligible projects, it can make it possible for developers to sell homes at affordable prices to current Houstonians.

Amount: $ 6,500,000

Certification letter here

Community Economic Engagement Initiative

The project will fund the renovation and construction of the Bethune Empowerment Center (BEC). When fully built, the BEC will create an inclusive economic empowerment ecosystem with two Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFI), three Minority Business Incubators, a Financial Services Center, TXRX Prototyping Space, Affordable Workspaces, Workforce Training Center, Childcare Center, Farmers Market, and more. All are aimed at spurring local and regional business growth, creating well-paying jobs, training Houston's manufacturing and energy transition workforce, and attracting additional development. Additionally, the project will This project will add and improve sidewalks and shared use paths for increased multimodal connectivity and access to transit stops, schools and major activity centers. Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority conducted a sidewalk evaluation and found that almost 25% of sidewalks in and adjacent to the district boundaries were in poor or non-existent condition, and over 40% of sidewalks were less than 5 feet in width. The project will help improve sections that are missing, in poor condition, and/or undersized.

Amount: $11,500,000

Certification letter here

METRO and Midtown Redevelopment

The project consists of a short at-grade extension of the existing METRORail Green/Purple Line light rail (LRT) on semi-exclusive lanes from the Theater District Station to the City of Houston Municipal Courthouse area, a distance of approximately one-half mile. The need for this extension was identified during METRO's System Reimagining effort, which identified the Courthouse as the ultimate destination for many Green/ Purple Line riders who have needed to navigate a challenging street system environment or transfer to a bus to reach their final destinations. The project would provide a one-seat ride to the Courthouse for METRORail riders and will enhance system connectivity, increase safety, and improve accessibility to a major employment site and frequent destination. The Courthouse extension is part of the 2019 voter approved METRONext Plan and is in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Additionally, the project will allow for the single-family homes to be sold to future occupants at a lower cost, contributing to the mission of MRA's Affordable Housing Program to provide high-quality, affordable housing for residents of the area.

Amount: $6,789,280

Certification letter here