Brownsville Herald
METRO Connect will use then TIGER grants to acquire eight new hybrid buses, and Brownsville Metro stops will be improved, including the construction of Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks, ADA-accessible ramps, shelters with benches, and bike stations.
Brownsville Metro Director Norma Zamora said the grant requires that engineering and design be complete by December 2017. Construction must start by Jan. 1, 2019, and be complete by 2024.
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) announced yesterday a $661,342 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program is going to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. The Weslaco-based council oversees Valley Metro.
(Valley Metro said will be used to improve transportation facilities outside the UT Regional Academic Health Center at Harlingen.)
(Valley Metro said will be used to improve transportation facilities outside the UT Regional Academic Health Center at Harlingen.)
The grant will be split to purchase new bus passenger shelters and add amenities in Harlingen, Brownsville and Edinburg.
“This grant will provide essential funding to regional transit services in South Texas,” Vela said. “The new waiting areas will allow the bus system to attract new riders and provide improved service to existing passengers. I look forward to seeing the project completed.”
“This grant will provide essential funding to regional transit services in South Texas,” Vela said. “The new waiting areas will allow the bus system to attract new riders and provide improved service to existing passengers. I look forward to seeing the project completed.”
He's waiting, too Mr. Vela and Ms. Zamora.