Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE & KEVIN VU
EPA awards Bellaire $3.1M to fund waterline projects Bellaire officials accepted the Environmental Protection Agency’s $3.18 million federal grant in early June to support a project to strengthen the city’s waterline infrastructure. Zooming in The project will replace 4.5 miles of waterline
Applications open for citizen police academy The West University Place Police Department started accepting applications June 9 for its first-ever citizen police academy to offer residents what it calls a “behind-the-scenes look” at how their local police department operates. The details A total of 12 community members will be selected from applications. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live or work in West U and pass a background check. The free, eight-week program will run from July 31-Sept. 18 and meet once a week, Thursday evenings, from 6-8:30 p.m. at City Hall. Those selected will partake in classroom discussions, facility tours and hands-on demonstrations, according to city officials.
Project goals According to the grant agreement, Bellaire residents can expect to see benefits from the waterline replacement project, such as: Reduction in water loss due to leaks Enhanced water quality Increased system reliability Improved emergency response capability Reduced environmental impact Compliance with federal regulations
infrastructure throughout the city that has reached, or is nearing, the end of its useful service life, as well as replacing valves and fire hydrants, according to a June 2 Bellaire City Council agenda item. The funding comes from the Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 Consolidated Appropriation Act, where members of Congress are allowed to request fund- ing for projects in their communities, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The city was awarded $782,000 and $2.4 million in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Next steps The full project is expected to cost $3.9 million,
SOURCES: BELLAIRE, U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
according to the grant agreement. Bellaire will add $795,000 on top of the $3.18 million to meet the cost of the project, Megan Campbell, the city’s Capital Projects and Grants Manager, said. The project is fully designed, with a construc- tion bid anticipated in late summer. The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2026.
24/7 Wellness and Emergency veterinary care
Book Today
(713) 526-5881 SunsetAnytime.com 2959 Southwest Fwy Houston, TX 77098
6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook