The Jen & Lisa Team Blog

Following is a press release sent by Annette regarding the West Houston Trail Project and information on how to provide input:

HOUSTON (August 6, 2009) – Community recommendations are wanted for a proposed West Houston Trails Master Plan under development by the Energy Corridor District and the National Park Service with guidance from agencies and input from stakeholders. Community comments on the trail plan will be gathered at a town hall meeting scheduled for September 9th, as well as through the District’s Web site (www.energycorridordistrict.org/west-houston-trails) set to launch on September 1st. The trail plan encompasses 130,000 acres within a 6-mile radius centered at the intersection of IH-10 and State Highway 6.

The goal of the West Houston Trails Master Plan is to develop a shared-use trail system that will connect existing and new trails throughout West Houston to improve commuter solutions, outdoor recreation, rain runoff management and habitat preservation while linking residential communities and business centers.

“Our goal is to develop a comprehensive master plan that, once executed, will greatly benefit the residents of and visitors to the Energy Corridor District, West Houston and surrounding neighborhoods from both a transportation and property value standpoint,” said Robert L. Rayburn, Development & Natural Resource Director for the Energy Corridor District. “To maximize existing opportunities and user needs, we need the community’s comments. Community input is a critical part of the overall planning process as we want to know what connections and trails will best improve the overall trail system and benefit the needs of individual neighborhoods.”
Three options encourage citizens to get involved:
? A town hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, 5:30-8: 30 p.m., at Maurice L. Wolfe Elementary, located at 502 Addicks Howell Rd. in Houston.
? From Sept. 1-30, 2009, visit www.energycorridor.org/west-houston-trails to read more about the plan and provide online comments.
? Add a link from your company or organization’s web site encouraging visitors to log on to www.energycorridor.org/west-houston-trails to give their input.

The West Houston Trails Master Plan initiative is led by the Energy Corridor District and the National Park Service with guidance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Harris County Public Infrastructure Department, Harris County Flood Control District, City of Houston- Parks & Recreation, City of Houston- Planning & Development, City of Houston- Public Works & Engineering, Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, Houston Community College and numerous diverse stakeholders.

Kathryn Nichols with the National Park Service stated, “As Houston continues to grow westward, a well-planned system of trails will provide greater commuter and recreation options for area residents and employees as well as enrich the quality of life for the entire Greater Houston area.”

The Energy Corridor District was selected by the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service to receive planning assistance for a West Houston Trail System plan. The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program helps carry out the National Park Service mission by working with local governments and citizen groups to revitalize nearby rivers, preserve valuable open spaces and develop local trail and greenway networks, all resources that link communities together.