HARLINGEN — The city wants to give you more opportunities to walk extra miles.
Officials are hoping the state will largely fund the project.
City commissioners have approved applications for $4.4 million from the Texas Department of Public Safety to build about 22 miles of sidewalks.
The grants require the city fund $884,600 of the project cost.
The plans tie into Mayor Chris Boswell’s Mayor’s Wellness Center initiative for a healthier Harlingen.
“It’s all part of our goal to have a walkable community — a healthy alternative to driving,” Assistant City Manager Carlos Sanchez said yesterday.
Sanchez said the city is confident it will land the grants because the sidewalks would be located on state right-of-way off state highways such as Harrison and Tyler avenues and 77 Sunshine Strip, Loop 499 and Interstate 69.
“It’s the goal of the city to build infrastructure — sidewalks, trails, bike lanes — so the community can enjoy the outdoors,” he said. “Sidewalks provide access to a lot of facilities — parks, trails, bus stops and retail centers.”
Meanwhile, the city is working on a project to build about two miles of sidewalks to connect 10 bus routes.
Federal grants paid $397,735 of that project, while the city came up with $99,434.
The sidewalks are planned within about a half-mile radius of the city’s bus routes and bus stops.
The network of sidewalks will help the Rio Grande Valley Development Council round up more riders for its Valley Metro transit system.
Now under design, construction is expected to begin in June, with completion set for fall, Sanchez said.
Under Design
0.79 – miles on Sixth Street from Jefferson Avenue south to Buchanan Avenue.
0.73 – miles on North 25th St. from Loop 499 south to Rio Hondo Road and west near 21st Street
0.52 – miles on Ed Carey Boulevard from South 25th Street to Haine Drive and to Treasure Hills Boulevard.
