April 29, 2021 – Texas Transportation Commissioners met Thursday and approved aviation, public transportation and sidewalk grants for several counties in the Lufkin District, including funds for a shared use path at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Commissioners approved more than $23.2 million statewide through the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program for selected infrastructure projects in areas with a population of less than 200,000 to construct on- and off-road bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, which include sidewalks, shared use paths and bicycle lanes. The Lufkin District was awarded $1.4 million to construct a Shared Use Path at SFA University at Lanana Creek. No timeline for the project has been set.
Commissioners also approved grants through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act to provide economic relief to eligible airports. The state awarded $3.5 million to 166 airports statewide. The funds are designated to provide for operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitation and used to combat the spread of pathogens at the airport and control towers.
Airports in the Lufkin District were awarded the following grants:
- Angelina County Airport in Lufkin: $23,000
- A.L. Manghum Jr. Regional Airport in Nacogdoches: $23,000
- Center Municipal Airport: $13,000
- Houston County Airport in Crockett: $13,000
- Livingston Municipal Airport: $9,000
Commissioners also approved $2.7 million statewide in Public Transportation grants provided by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID 19. Brazos Transit District, which operates in the Lufkin District, was awarded $181,488 through this grant program.
