U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7) and officials from Houston Metro announced Wednesday a $5 million award from the federal government to the Metro Boost Project.

The grant comes as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which President Biden signed into law in December. The bill allocates $800 billion in non-defense related appropriations, including $542 million in Transit Infrastructure Grants and projects around the country.

The $5 million grant will be used to improve the 82 Westheimer Metro line, a line which runs East-West across the city from downtown through Montrose, Greenway, the Galleria area, Westchase and out to West Oaks. The 82 Westheimer is the most ridden bus line in the city of Houston and the state of Texas.

"If you want to travel the world, all you have to do is ride the 82 Westheimer," said Sanjay Ramabhadran, chair of the Metro board of directors. "You will experience the cuisines and languages of the entire planet."

Funding will go, in part, toward improving accessibility at bus stops on the line.

"The funds will help in making sure there are easier boarding platforms and safe, all-access doors," said Fletcher. The $5 million is also expected to go toward new bus shelters and bus shelter enhancement, such as increased lighting and digital signage will show the time of next-bus arrival.

Fletcher said she hopes the funds will make transit and transportation in the Houston area accessible, affordable and efficient.

The total cost of the Metro Boost project is projected to be upwards of $30 million.

Ramabhadran says the project is currently going through the design and permitting process, and he expects it to break ground this summer.