Houston Metro, LAVTA receive federal funding to complete transit projects

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) and the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) have each received federal funds to complete projects in their respective areas. 

Houston Metro 

The agency was awarded $1.2 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to plan for transit-oriented development (TOD) along the proposed Gulfton Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. 

The funding will enable the creation of a comprehensive TOD strategy focused on enhancing mobility, housing and community development in one of Houston’s most transit-dependent areas. 

Houston Metro notes the project aims to attract public and private investment and establish a community-supported vision for TOD. The initiative will also explore green infrastructure solutions to address urban heat and flooding. 

“This is an exciting step toward Gulfton's revitalization,” said Houston Metro Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. "This collaboration goes beyond improving transit access. Working together with all levels of government and community leaders, we are making meaningful upgrades that will make it easier for residents to go to work, enjoy recreational activities and access essential services, all while attracting new resources and businesses to the area.” 

The agency notes the grant is expected to fund the entire TOD planning process, including extensive community engagement, detailed station area analysis and the creation of an overall strategy to guide the improvements in the Gulfton Corridor. 

“Increasing and improving affordable housing near public transportation is especially crucial in Gulfton, where residents are five times more likely to ride transit than the average Houstonian. This grant will amplify and accelerate Harris County Precinct 4 work in this area, which has waited far too long for investment," said Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones. "I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to advancing equity and promoting housing affordability and I thank Chair Gonzalez Brock and [Houston] Mayor [John] Whitmire for their leadership and partnership in building the Gulfton that residents deserve.” 

LAVTA 

LAVTA, operator of Wheels bus service in the Tri-Valley region in California, will receive $3 million to expand a hydrogen fueling station supporting Wheels bus fleet expansion.  

“Today we celebrate the bold leadership of our members of Congress who secured funding in Washington for LAVTA’s hydrogen fueling station to benefit their communities and constituents back home. This truly is the start of a zero-emissions and clean energy transportation future in the Tri-Valley,” said LAVTA Executive Director Christy Wegener. 

The award comes from Community Project Funding as part of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which included a total of $15.2 million in federal funds U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) secured for multiple projects across Alameda County. 

"This federal award will enable LAVTA to deploy hydrogen fuel cell buses over the next two years, enabling conversion away from fossil fuels faster by increasing the number of buses we will be able to support with hydrogen fuel sooner. The funding also allows LAVTA to successfully meet the state of California’s climate goals while being a catalyst for good paying construction and clean-energy jobs in the Tri-Valley,” said     LAVTA Board Chair and Livermore City Councilman Evan Branning. 

LAVTA notes construction for the project is expected to break ground in 2025 and be completed in conjunction with delivery of the first hydrogen fuel cell buses in 2027.