Pearland council backs $5.005 million TxDOT transportation‑alternatives grant request for FM 518 sidewalks

Pearland’s City Council voted to support a Texas Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Set‑Aside application that would fund roughly 3.5 miles of sidewalk improvements along FM‑518 from Berry Rose Road to Pine Valley Drive.

City staff said the second‑stage application requests $5,005,000 in TxDOT funding to build about 35,000 square feet (roughly 583 linear feet in one segment described in staff comments) of new sidewalk, replace damaged sidewalk, install ADA‑compliant curb ramps (about 218 intersections cited), and replace 68 driveways along the corridor. The proposed project covers about 3.5 miles of roadway.

The grant requires a 20% local match; staff said the local share is estimated at $1,001,000 and could be covered by another grant or through bond or certificate financing if needed. City staff asked council to authorize submission of the detailed application; council approved the resolution supporting the application and directed staff to proceed with the June submittal deadline.

Staff outlined the timetable: the city submitted an initial application in March, was invited to step two in April, must submit the detailed application in June, with awards expected in October. Council members asked whether city bond proceeds from the 2023 election could serve as the local match; staff said bond proceeds and certificates of obligation are potential options to meet the match requirement.

Council approved the resolution supporting the TxDOT application (Resolution R2025‑71) by recorded vote.