Fort Worth receives federal grant for East Lancaster Av. redevelopment

Fort Worth - In a landmark decision that promises to bolster urban renewal efforts, Fort Worth stands to reap the benefits of a generous $20 million federal grant. This allocation is targeted for the revamp of the East Lancaster corridor, a massive project that forms part of a larger statewide endeavor under the patronage of the Biden Administration.

This considerable funding will be channeled towards the planning, securing property rights, environmental assessments, and ultimately, the extensive overhaul of the 6.5-mile expanse of East Lancaster Avenue. The stretch, which extends from Pine Street to its intersection with Interstate 820, is set to be reimagined into a multifaceted transportation corridor. This far-reaching initiative has been spearheaded by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

The East Lancaster endeavor is but one of six prestigious infrastructure development projects in Texas, poised to gain from the Biden Administration's groundbreaking Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program. The program, praised for its audacity, has set aside an impressive sum exceeding $97 million across the state, a generous allotment that was officially confirmed in a recent press statement.

The importance of this financial pledge was highlighted by Kelly Porter, the Assistant Director for the Regional Transportation and Innovation Division within Fort Worth’s Transportation and Public Works.

“This funding commitment shows that data-driven planning, project development, and partnerships with local, regional, and state agencies are critical to demonstrating that this is a project of local and national significance; and a sound investment for the federal government in our nation’s infrastructure,” said Kelly Porter, as reported by Fort Worth Report.

The bold makeover of the East Lancaster corridor is set to pave the way for forward-thinking infrastructure developments. Among these advancements are a high-capacity bus transit service, cycling paths, pedestrian walkways, landscaped dividers distinguishing the roadway from the bike lanes, thoughtfully located transit shelters, and strategically positioned street lighting.

The envisioned success of this project is harmoniously aligned with the city's Eastside Transportation Plan, a wide-ranging strategy aimed at the holistic improvement of the area, addressing key aspects such as safety, land utilization, and transportation trends.

Despite efforts, there was no response from the NCTCOG before the deadline.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 70% of these grants are committed to projects based in areas identified as either Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities. The East Lancaster region is recognized as falling under both these classifications.

“Using the funds in President Biden’s infrastructure law, we are helping communities in every state across the country realize their visions for new infrastructure projects,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a news release. “This round of RAISE grants is helping create a new generation of good-paying jobs in rural and urban communities alike, with projects whose benefits will include improving safety, fighting climate change, advancing equity, strengthening our supply chain, and more.”

This recent declaration of funds marks a significant progress point in the ongoing revitalization of East Lancaster Avenue. In a united move in June 2022, a consortium of partners approved an additional $182 million for the project, further reinforcing the strong financial backing behind this transformational endeavor.

Other financial contributions come from various sources including the city of Fort Worth’s 2022 bond, the Regional Transportation Council, and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, Fort Worth Report, USDOT, City of Fort Worth