The city of West University Place will receive an estimated $3.4 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, designed to help speed up its recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession.
The city, which lost about $850,000 in parks and recreation income in 2020 caused by COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, will join the cities of Bellaire and Southside Place in receiving funds.
“As we continue to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that collaboration and support across all levels of government will be vital to our recovery,” West University Place Mayor Bob Higley said in a March 26 press conference alongside U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, whose district includes Bellaire, West University Place and Southside Place.
Fletcher said she worked with legislators to ensure the three cities would receive direct aid when the piece of legislation was signed into law March 11. In total, Fletcher's 7th Congressional District is estimated to receive $1.54 billion. In addition to West University Place, the cities of Bellaire and Southside Place will receive an estimated $4.1 million and $410,000, respectively.
