DeSoto City Council reviews Bridge Beautification Program for fiscal year 2025

DeSoto's City Council meeting on August 18, 2025, spotlighted the ambitious Bridge Beautification Program, a key initiative under the city's business plan for the year. Ahmed Al Casey, the director of the Development Services Department, presented the program aimed at enhancing the condition and appearance of the city's 29 bridges.

The program, which aligns with goal number 16 of the business plan, is designed to assess and improve the aesthetic and functional aspects of these structures. Notably, no comprehensive inventory or dedicated maintenance program for the bridges existed prior to this initiative, highlighting a significant gap in city infrastructure management.

Al Casey outlined a three-step approach to the program. The first step involves collecting bridge data from the Texas Department of Transportation and establishing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based inventory. This foundational work is already underway, with city staff taking the lead instead of hiring external consultants.

The second step will focus on assessing the selected bridges, with plans to enhance decorative features such as cleaning, painting, and improved lighting. Finally, the third step will involve implementing the developed beautification plan.

Importantly, the estimated budget for the initial data collection and assessment phases is projected to be $0, as these tasks will be handled by city staff. The council was informed that much of the groundwork is expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year 2025, which concludes in September.

While no immediate action was required from the council during this meeting, the Bridge Beautification Program marks a significant step towards improving DeSoto's infrastructure and enhancing the city's visual appeal. The next steps will involve further assessments and the selection of seven bridges for the beautification efforts, setting the stage for a revitalized urban landscape.