Garcia Announces $25 Mil to Improve 'Quality of Life' for Houston Families

Texas Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D) recently announced $25,105,985 will be invested in the Port of Houston Authority’s Catalyzing Lower Emissions with Alliances and New Systems in Trucking and Community Sustainability Program.

The program, that attempts at introducing zero-emission drayage trucks and infrastructure, reducing truck idling near port terminals, and providing community strengthening and workforce development opportunities, is a testament to our commitment to the future of greater Houston community. These funds were made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congresswoman Garcia proudly voted for in November 2021.

“Investing in our ports to improve air quality and reduce pollution while modernizing infrastructure and strengthening supply chains is not only the right thing but also the smart thing. I’m proud to announce that over $25 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I supported in November 2021, was allocated to our district,” said Rep. Garcia.

“These federal dollars will improve the quality of life of families and workers impacted by idling trucks and pollution at the Port of Houston. What we are doing here is not only environmental justice but will help to transform the lives of thousands of workers and lay the groundwork for a brighter, more resilient future for our port and the surrounding communities,” said Rep. Garcia.

The Catalyzing Lower Emissions with Alliances and New Systems in Trucking and Community Sustainability Program reduces pollution in communities with ports nearby. Those communities disproportionately bear the negative environmental impacts of idling trucks.

The grant is part of the Justice40 Initiative, which advances President Joe Biden’s (D) mission to “ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.”

Recently, Rep. Garcia spoke on the House floor to tout the potential benefits of her bill, the Dream and Promise Act.

“I grew up 22 miles from the border. I understand the need for security, but the 3 bills that were introduced today do nothing to reform our immigration system. I spoke on the house floor today about my Dream and Promise Act, we must pass generational change that Americans want,” tweeted Rep. Garcia.