Wilmer gets $1.175-million from TxDOT

WILMER – The city of Wilmer applied for a Green Ribbon Program grant from the Texas Department of Transportation back in the summer, and recently received the good news it will be awarded the $1.175-million.

The money will go toward landscape improvements for five of the city’s intersections on Interstate 45; Fulghum Road, Pleasant Run Road, Belt Line Road, Mars Road and Malloy Bridge Road and as part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s program.

Halff Associates, Inc. assisted the city in preparing the grant application required to obtain the funding.

That company will also be designing and managing the construction of the landscape improvements.

“The city council and I are beyond excited in being awarded a grant through the Texas Department of Transportation Green Ribbon Program,” said Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta.

“This funding aligns with our city council’s efforts of beautification as it is prudent for continued economic development of Wilmer’s visual attractiveness.

“Our five intersections along Interstate Highway 45 are key entrances to the city and a notable path to our city hall square.”

The landscape improvements will include irrigation and the planting of beds of native grasses and shrubs, areas of decomposed granite and river cobbles, as well as shade and ornamental trees as part of the overall enhancement design.

The concept plans, prepared as part of the grant application process, also incorporate future monument signs at Fulghum Road and Malloy Bridge Road in addition to a minor downtown monument sign at Belt Line Road.

The purpose of the TxDOT Green Ribbon Program is to improve the visual character of highway corridors and minimize the negative impacts of air pollution through the planting of trees and shrubs.

This is the first Green Ribbon award for Wilmer.

Planning for the project will begin in Dec. 2021, with construction estimated to start in Sept. 2022.

“I can’t express our gratitude enough for receiving this award and participating with TxDOT as this is a significant cost savings. These related improvements will benefit our community tremendously,” Petta concluded.