Harris County Precinct 4 Unveils $33.5M Infrastructure Boost for West Houston: Alief, Sharpstown, and Westchase to See Flood, Safety Upgrades
In a significant move aimed at strengthening public safety and flood protection in West Houston, Commissioner Lesley Briones has announced a $33.5 million investment in infrastructure projects across Alief, Sharpstown, Westchase, and surrounding neighborhoods. The investment is part of the 2025 cycle of Precinct 4’s Places 4 People initiative, a program rooted in collaboration and long-term community impact.
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to improving critical infrastructure — including streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, and shared-use paths — in areas that have historically been under-resourced or repeatedly impacted by flooding.
“This is a testament to the power of partnerships. We’re here to get things done,” said Commissioner Briones. “When we join forces and work together, we can deliver more and build a safe and strong community.”
Local Projects with Regional Impact
The $33.5 million investment pools $10.9 million in Precinct 4 funds with $22.6 million from partner organizations including the City of Houston, Houston Parks Board, Westchase District, and the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20.
One of the most substantial projects will take place in the Alief Forest South neighborhood, a community within the 100-year floodplain that includes 70 FEMA-designated repetitive loss properties. With $25.6 million in joint funding, this project will replace aging water and sewer lines, rebuild roads, and construct new detention ponds — a transformation aimed squarely at flood mitigation and neighborhood resiliency.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire praised the effort, saying, “This is an example of collaboration between the City of Houston and Harris County Precinct 4. Together, we will improve infrastructure and the quality of life for families and others living in the selected communities.”
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Other public safety and mobility-focused improvements include the Lakeside Estates Roadway Improvements in Briargrove Park/Walnut Bend — an area that’s seen 22 traffic crashes in just five years. Rehabilitation of roads and sidewalks here will enhance safety for both drivers and students walking to nearby schools.
City Council Member Tiffany Thomas emphasized the importance of shared funding, saying, “The City of Houston can't do it alone and having government partners like Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones makes the difference allowing us to do more — together with our shared constituency.”
Safe Paths, Walkability, and Greenway Access
The Houston Parks Board is also playing a vital role in Precinct 4’s 2025 projects. Two key mobility projects in Alief and Shadowlake will bring new shared-use paths, safer crosswalks, and better access to schools, parks, and healthcare centers.
“Southwest Houston is seeing meaningful investments that strengthen connectivity and improve quality of life for residents,” said Justin Schultz, President & CEO of Houston Parks Board. “Thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Briones and the Places 4 People initiative, HPB continues to partner with Precinct 4 to create off-street connections and more accessible routes while linking more neighborhoods to our growing Bayou Greenways system.”
Alief ISD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays expressed gratitude on behalf of the community: “Our elected officials have made the Alief community a priority. On behalf of the 40,000 students we serve and their families, we say thank you.”
Infrastructure Overhauls in Westchase and Sharpstown
In the Westchase District, full roadway reconstructions are planned for both Hayes Road and Wallingford Drive — key corridors that serve senior living communities, schools, and multifamily neighborhoods. The projects will enhance drainage, update sidewalks, and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.
“The reconstruction of Hayes Road will significantly improve vehicular and pedestrian connectivity,” said Irma Sanchez, President & CEO of Westchase District. “This enhancement will provide better access to Houston City College and improve mobility for residents and visitors.”
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Meanwhile, Sharpstown will benefit from a $4.27 million investment to create a shared-use trail under I-69, an area with a high rate of pedestrian and bicycle accidents. The project is set to complete Phase 2 of the Sharpstown Trail and connect the community to the Brays Bayou Greenway.
“This award is a major win for the Sharpstown area and for everyone who’s been advocating for safer, more connected places to walk and bike,” said Welcome Wilson, Jr., Board Chair of Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20.
A Continuing Commitment Since 2023
Since its launch in 2023, the Places 4 People initiative has funded 59 projects totaling more than $252 million, in collaboration with 28 organizations. Past improvements have spanned from drainage upgrades and trail systems to park development and street safety enhancements.
The latest round builds upon previous annual investments, including $48.8 million in 2024 and $170 million in 2023, extending the reach of the program across neighborhoods in need of resilient infrastructure and safer mobility options.
“This is words into action,” Commissioner Briones said. “We look forward to putting these projects in the ground for our community and we look forward to many more years of progress together.”
While planning and design are currently underway, funding for the new projects will become available in Harris County’s FY 2027–2028 budget cycle.
To learn more about the Places 4 People initiative and view project updates, visit cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Infrastructure/Places-4-People.
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.
