Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville received written correspondence from the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization about a grant award for Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Funds, designated from the Federal Highway Administration, in the amount of $900,000 for the West Rail Trail Construction Project.
The West Rail Trail Construction Project is a monumental and historic project for the Rio Grande Valley, which will consist of a 12-foot-wide hike and bike trail beginning at 169E, north of the 77 Flea Market and go towards Palm Blvd – with a total distance of approximately 6.6 miles. The construction of this project, designed by the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, is significant for the City of Brownsville and Cameron County because it will transform health and wellness for the region by providing access to trails, which in turn will combat the prevalence of various health issues present in the community. Alongside this, it will support the initiative of promoting active tourism at a global level, fueling a stronger regional economy.
Brownsville City Commissioner At-Large “B” and advocate for health, wellness, and active transportation, Dr. Rose M.Z. Gowen, M.D., asserted, “The West Rail Trail began because our community spoke up loudly about what they needed their neighborhoods to have and be like. It is pure joy to celebrate the TASA award to enrich the trail that the people remained passionate and invested in for over a decade.” She added, “With TASA from the RGV MPO, the West Rail Trail will come to life and shine!”
“The RGVMPO is very excited that the Transportation Policy Board selected the Brownsville West Rail Trail Project as one of the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside (TASA) recipients. The $900K awarded to the West Rail Trail will provide 6.6 miles of amenities that will assure that the trail is a destination for avid cyclist and joggers as well as the casual users who want to enjoy peaceful walks, runs, or rides along a beautiful trail system,” stated Executive Director of the RGV MPO Andrew A. Canon.
“The West Rail Train Construction Project is a strong demonstration of the collaborative efforts at the federal, state and local levels to increase the quality of life for our community. We look forward to expanding our active transportation efforts throughout the city by providing neighborhoods that previously had no access to trails with recreational opportunities in a safe environment,” said Brownsville City Manager Noel Bernal.
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) allows for the funding allocation of projects and activities referenced as transportation alternatives, including on and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation, trails that serve a transportation purpose, and safe routes to schools.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, the City of Brownsville will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on October 29, 2021at 10:00 AM located at 401 Old Military Highway, Brownsville, Texas, 78520.
