The US Department of Transportation has approved the City of Houston’s application to receive $15 million under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant, or TIGER program, including over 18 miles of hike and bike trails, sidewalk improvements, and on-street bikeways.

Rep. Gene Green, who, along with Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, was instrumental in pushing the application forward, offered his congratulations. “I am pleased that the Department of Transportation has chosen to make this important investment in our communities. Improving our pedestrian and bike infrastructure will make it easier for our constituents to get to work and run errands. It will mean they stay healthier and are able to use public transportation more often. I appreciate the leadership of Secretary LaHood and I am proud of our Congressional Delegation members who pulled together to help make this happen.”

“I am proud to have been a part of the team effort, which will bring TIGER Grant jobs to Houston,” said Congressman Al Green. “The jobs associated with these transportation projects will help our city’s economy continue to move forward.”

Added Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, “I am pleased that officials here in Washington, DC saw it fit that Houston’s projects meet the highest requirements for funding eligibility through this Tiger Grant. I was pleased to work strategically with my colleagues both Congressman Gene Green and Al Green to assure the residents of Houston have the best when it comes to transportation options to invest in the improvements for roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities. These federal funds will help create jobs and put Houstonians back to work. Providing new or better transportation connections for residents and commuters is critical to livability.”

Houston has the largest number of bike commuters in Texas, according to a joint press release from the representatives. The plan will help improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians, create more trails and bikeways, connect important destinations such as Houston’s major universities and downtown, and provide alternative transportation to important economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.