Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced the City of Houston will receive $43,438,830 from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Neighborhood Access and Equity Program—a program established in the Inflation Reduction Action (IRA).  This grant will fund the construction and repair of sidewalks, creation of green stormwater infrastructure as well as curb and gutter drainage, and the planting of tree canopy cover in Gulfton, benefitting more than 37,000 residents in the neighborhood.

“I am thrilled that after my efforts to secure federal funding for our city, the U.S. Department of Transportation will award the City of Houston more than $43 million for much-needed infrastructure projects that will make our community safer and more accessible,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Gulfton is a vibrant part of Texas' Seventh Congressional District and this investment will enhance multimodal accessibility and improve the overall wellbeing for members of the Gulfton community, enabling Houstonians to travel safely to and from work, school, and other destinations. I was glad to partner with City and Gulfton community leaders to advocate for this grant, and I look forward to continuing our work together to bring improvements of all kinds back home.”

In 2022, Congresswoman Fletcher voted for the IRA, which established the Neighborhood Access and Equity program. 

Congresswoman Fletcher effectively communicated the need for this grant funding to the Department of Transportation, including sending several letters to DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of the grant award for Gulfton.

Last year, Congresswoman Fletcher announced a Reconnecting Communities Pilot program grant for the Reconnecting Communities: Gulfton and Beyond Study. The grant is currently funding a 12-month study and community-driven planning process to design future connections on Hillcroft Avenue in Gulfton, which are currently separated by freeways and busy thoroughfares.  

Congresswoman Fletcher is a member of the Regional Leadership Council, which is made up of 12 members of Congress from across the country, and works to enhance coordination between federal agencies, Congress, and regional stakeholders to ensure the accomplishments of the 117th Congress—including the IRA—are implemented as quickly and as effectively as possible.