Breaking it down
Of the $109 million, $23.6 million focuses on the second phase of the Shepherd-Durham reconstruction project, which TIRZ President Sherry Weesner said should start in the next several months, while the first phase, which costs $23 million, should be completed by this summer, she said. Phase 3 costs $12.1 million and will just be remaining work that needs to be done, such as completing a few cross streets, but there is no timeline yet, Weesner said.
TIRZ spokesperson Ashley Small said the funding in the budget are local dollars, while remaining funding for the project will be funded through federal dollars. Phase one has $25 million in federal funding, while phase two has $49 million.
The reconstruction project's second phase will center around 15th Street and I-10, including improvements to pedestrian infrastructure, storm water drainage systems, curb and gutter sections, streetlights, sidewalks and landscaping.
“The last time work was done there was about 40 or 50 years ago; it’s old infrastructure,” Weesner said. “Streets in the past were built for a 30 year life span, now they’re being built for a 40 year life span. Most certainly, we’re well past that.”
According to previous Community Impact reporting, Mayor John Whitmire put the second phase of the project on pause in 2024, but later lifted the pause after he and the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority reached a compromise on the project.
The compromise will:
- Maintain the terms of the federal grant
- Preserve general mobility
- Create transportation options
- Enhance drainage and wastewater infrastructure
The rest of the funding will go towards projects such as:
- 19th Street reconstruction between Durham and 20th Street: Roadway construction, installation of storm water drainage system, curb and gutter, sidewalks, street lights and landscaping. Cost: $9.5 million
- 18th Street: Construct pedestrian improvements, including sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, landscaping and mid-block crossings to create a safer pedestrian environment. Cost: $3.5 million
- Shepherd Drive and Memorial Drive: Sidewalk and street crossing improvements. Cost: $2.3 million
- Stude Park improvement: The project will create a conceptual plan and improve the playground, as well as other facilities at the park. Cost: $1.25 million
