Houston Republic

WASHINGTON, DC – On June 5, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) announces up to $36 million to the City of Houston from the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program to improve upon the current West Belt Terminal.

“Blocked railroad crossings are a dangerous hassle for our community. We are working every day across jurisdictions, agencies, and levels of government to make Houston safer and easier to get around,” said Congresswoman Garcia.  

“This is a top priority for me because it is a top priority for my constituents. I have hosted the FRA administrator for two town halls in the district and spoken to Secretary Buttigieg and the White House on this matter. I am grateful to see the administration is listening to East End residents who have made their voices heard. Increasing community safety through our nation’s infrastructure has been a top priority for myself, House Democrats, and President Biden, and these federal dollars are a strong reflection of our hard work and dedication. Children shouldn’t have to crawl under a train just to get to school. Ambulances shouldn’t have to detour around a stopped train when seconds matter” concluded the Congresswoman.

The funding will close the funding gap for the city to construct two railroad underpasses at Commerce Street and Navigation Boulevard and York Street in the East End. Congresswoman Garcia supported this effort by the city in partnership with the Gulf Coast Rail District.

The Railroad Crossing Elimination Program is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Congresswoman Garcia proudly voted for, and President Biden signed into law in November 2021.

Contact: Bryce Earley | bryce.earley@mail.house.gov | (202) 227-0330

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She is the Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, the Vice Chair on Housing and Transportation of the House Democratic Caucus Poverty Task Force, and a member of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government.

Original source can be found here.