Hardy Toll Road Airport Connector Beautification Project - Awarded for Construction
(March 5, 2004)
Houston, Texas (March 5, 2004) - The North Houston Association, in partnership with the Harris County Toll Road Authority, City of Houston - Houston Airport System, Trees For Houston and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is pleased to announce that the Hardy Toll Road Airport Connector Enhancement Project has now been awarded for construction. The project was awarded to HLS Enterprises of Texas for $1,094,990. This project was selected by the Texas Transportation Commission under the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program (STEP)– 2002.
This is not only the first project to let for construction out of the STEP 21 projects, but also the largest landscaping project that TxDOT- Houston District has ever undertaken. This project encompasses just under 21 acres and 30,000 containers of vegetation.
“The project seeks to enhance north Houston 's natural beauty by adding more naturalized, native vegetation and complimenting this with color” said Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole “The vegetation also serves to screen unsightly views and provides continuity in the transition from the Hardy Toll Road into the airport.”
“We
are so pleased to be participating with the North Houston Association
on such an important regional project” added Harris County Judge
Robert Eckels. “This project clearly demonstrates that
when the public and private sector are in working in concert –
good things can happen."
“We are delighted about the progress of this project and looking forward to the completion of the construction when we will be able to truly showcase north Houston 's assets,” said Senator Jon Lindsay, president, North Houston Association. “This project is very much in line with our purpose and mission and we are fortunate to have a great working relationship with all of the entities involved including the Texas Department of Transportation, Harris County Toll Road Authority and the Houston Airport System.”
Lindsay went on to say that in 1999, the Association merely responded to the request of north Houston residents in developing this project when NHA was contacted by several property owners. This corridor is the gateway to the city and state, and giving consideration to the number of international passengers that are flying into and out of Bush Intercontinental Airport daily, this project will ensure visitors are left with a positive image of north Houston and the region as a whole,” Lindsay continued.
The North Houston Association is a non profit organization that identifies advocates and supports projects and initiatives which advance the business environment and improve the quality of life in North Harris and Montgomery counties.
Hardy Toll Road Airport Connector Beautification Project Moving Forward
(June 6, 2003)
Houston, Texas (June 6, 2003) The North Houston Association, in partnership with the Harris County Toll Road Authority, Trees for Houston and the Texas Department of Transportation is riding a wave of excitement over the Hardy Toll Road Airport Connector Enhancement Project, which was selected recently by the Texas Transportation Commission under the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program – 2002.
A presentation made recently at a North Houston Association committee meeting revealed conceptual images of a redefined airport connector corridor, which serves as one of the primary entrances into George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
“The project seeks to enhance north Houston’s natural beauty by adding more naturalized, native vegetation and complimenting this with color” said Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole “The vegetation also serves to screen unsightly views and provides continuity in the transition from the Hardy Toll Road into the airport.”
“We are so pleased to be participating with the North Houston Association on such an important regional project” added Harris County Judge Robert Eckels. “This project clearly demonstrates that when the public and private sector are in working in concert – good things can happen.”
The project was submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for consideration under the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program in 1999 and was not selected. The Harris County Toll Road Authority decided to resubmit the project, under the more recent TxDOT Call for Projects, at the request of the North Houston Association and Trees for Houston, which are both financial participants in the project.
The construction cost of the project is $1.5 million, of which, 36 percent of the total construction cost is being assumed by the local participating entities. “We are excited to be involved with the private sector on this project.” Mike Strech, Executive Director, Harris County Toll Road Authority said. “This is an excellent opportunity to leverage local dollars and improve the look of our County.”
Four entities have contributed to the local share of the project. The Houston Airport System has contributed $150,000; Trees for Houston contributed $25,000; the North Houston Association contributed $5,000 with the Harris County Toll Road Authority adding the lion’s share of the local match at $435,000. In addition, the Harris County Toll Road Authority is paying for the design fees.
“The conceptual phase of the project yielded an impressive view of things to come for this project. Currently the design is at the 60% stage and is being reviewed by the Toll Road Authority as well as the Houston Airport System,” stated Strech “We are hopeful that the final construction plans will be complete at the end of the second quarter of 2003.”
“We are delighted about the progress of this project and looking forward to the completion of the construction when we will be able to truly showcase north Houston’s assets,” said Senator Jon Lindsay, President, North Houston Association. “This project is very much in line with our purpose and mission and we are fortunate to have a great working relationship with all of the entities involved including the Texas Department of Transportation, Harris County Toll Road Authority and the Houston Airport System.”
Lindsay went on to say that in 1999, the Association merely responded to the request of north Houston residents in developing this project when NHA was contacted by several property owners. This corridor is the gateway to the city and state, and giving consideration to the number of international passengers that are flying into and out of Bush Intercontinental Airport daily, this project will ensure visitors are left with a positive image of north Houston and the region as a whole,” Lindsay continued.
The North Houston Association is a non profit organization that identifies advocates and supports projects and initiatives which advance the business environment and improve the quality of life in North Harris and Montgomery counties.