Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones Unveils Nearly $50 Million Investment in Infrastructure Projects Across Precinct 4
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones has announced a significant $48.8 million investment in sustainable infrastructure projects aimed at improving public safety, mobility, and connectivity across Harris County. The projects, which will span the City of Houston, City of Katy, and unincorporated areas of the county, are part of Briones' Places 4 People initiative, now entering its second year. This effort, which includes a blend of local, state, and federal partnerships, is expected to address critical needs ranging from drainage improvements to the construction of bike trails and the expansion of public transportation options.
The $48.8 million initiative will be funded through a combination of $17.7 million from Harris County Precinct 4 and $31.1 million from key partners, including the City of Houston, City of Katy, METRO, Houston Parks Board, and various municipal utility districts (MUDs). The projects aim to improve infrastructure in both urban and suburban areas, addressing the diverse needs of residents across Harris County.
Major Infrastructure Projects and Partnerships
The 20 projects selected for this initiative include:
- 10 Hike and Bike Trails
- 3 Roadway Improvements
- 3 Sidewalk Constructions
- 1 Drainage Improvement Project
- 1 Intersection Improvement Project
- 1 Traffic Signal Improvement Project
- 1 Bus Shelter Expansion Project
A standout feature of this round of funding is the first-ever collaboration with the City of Katy, where $1.3 million will be dedicated to the design study for widening Katy Fort Bend Road, a key road near the Katy Boardwalk District. This joint effort between Precinct 4 and the City of Katy will explore ways to improve safety and mobility along this heavily trafficked route.
A major focus of the initiative is also improving transit accessibility. A $6 million project, with $1 million from Precinct 4, will expand bus shelters in areas with high public transit reliance, particularly in the Gulfton and Sharpstown neighborhoods of Houston. These areas, known for their socioeconomic vulnerabilities, will benefit greatly from this enhancement, providing much-needed shade and shelter, especially during Houston’s hot summer months.
The Houston Parks Board will also receive funding for a $1.6 million feasibility study to plan a new 2.7-mile trail that will connect Wirt Road to the White Oak Bayou Greenway, providing additional recreational opportunities for Harris County residents. Precinct 4 will contribute $988,000 to this effort, further expanding the county’s growing network of bike and hike trails.
Focus on Vulnerable Communities
In keeping with Commissioner Briones' commitment to addressing the needs of the county’s most vulnerable populations, 17 of the 20 projects will target areas with medium-to-high socioeconomic vulnerability. This focus ensures that resources are directed to communities that will benefit the most from enhanced infrastructure and services.
Commissioner Briones expressed her dedication to supporting Harris County’s rapidly growing communities, particularly in the western parts of the county. "Our communities across western Harris County continue to grow, and our infrastructure must keep pace with that growth. I am grateful to our partners for heeding the call to invest in our neighborhoods to meet the needs of today and plan for our future," Briones said in a statement.
Strong Partnerships Across Harris County
The $48.8 million initiative is the result of collaboration among several local and regional stakeholders. Houston Mayor Whitmire praised Commissioner Briones' leadership, stating, “Commissioner Briones has been a great partner, and I appreciate and thank her for her support and collaboration. The projects chosen in the city limits, including the METRO bus shelters, will significantly enhance our infrastructure, providing new mobility options, and promising a better quality of life for all Houstonians.”
METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock highlighted the impact of the Gulfton Revitalization Project, which includes the bus shelter upgrades. "These shelters will provide a much-needed respite from the elements, particularly during the hot summer months," she said, emphasizing how transit improvements are central to revitalizing communities long underserved by infrastructure investments.
Beth White, President and CEO of the Houston Parks Board, expressed gratitude for Precinct 4’s support in building a more connected county through its trail projects. "With the power of public-private partnerships and Precinct 4’s generous support, we are building a network of trails that promote recreation, provide safe transportation, and connect our diverse communities across Harris County," she said.
Looking Ahead
The funds for these projects will become available during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Commissioner Briones has made it clear that these efforts are just the beginning of a broader vision to modernize and improve infrastructure throughout Harris County, making the area safer, more accessible, and more connected for all residents.
Harris County Precinct 4, which includes a diverse range of urban, suburban, and rural areas, spans parts of the City of Houston, including neighborhoods like the Energy Corridor and areas west of Downtown Houston, as well as suburban municipalities such as Katy. With a population exceeding 1.5 million, Precinct 4 is one of the largest and most densely populated of Harris County’s four precincts. The area's growth and development are a key focus for Commissioner Briones, who has made expanding mobility options and improving infrastructure a priority during her tenure.
For more information about the Places 4 People initiative and to stay updated on the progress of upcoming projects, residents can visit the official Harris County Precinct 4 website at hcp4.net/infrastructure/projects.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
