The Sugar Land City Council voted 7-0 on Oct. 21 to accept a $15,540,240 grant through the Federal Transit Administration’s Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program to support design and construction of the Sugar Land Trail phases 1 and 2.

Staff member Melanie (name in transcript) said the city applied for the competitive STBG funds and became a direct FTA recipient on Aug. 1, 2025, which allows FTA to make the award directly to the city. "Part of this grant application included us becoming an FTA recipient, so that FTA can directly give these funds to the city, for both design and construction of the 2 trails project," the staff member said.

The award splits approximately $9.9 million for Sugar Land Trail Phase 1 (design complete; construction out for bid) and $6.45 million for Phase 2 (design and construction). Typical federal cost sharing applies: about 80% federal funding with a roughly 20% local match. Staff identified existing local match sources including Fort Bend County contributions: about $3 million from a 2013 parks allocation toward Phase 1 and $3.85 million from the county’s 2023 mobility bond toward Phase 2.

City staff said Phase 1 (formerly known as the Ditch H Trail) will route under Highway 6 and I-69/US 59 and connect to Phase 2 across Lexington Boulevard, linking to First Colony trails and improving active mobility by avoiding at-grade crossings of the major highways. Two Fort Bend Transit commuter park-and-ride lots are located within the trail area; that proximity supported STBG eligibility, staff said.

Council members asked whether the grant carries conditions. Staff said standard federal requirements apply, including nondiscrimination and federal procurement rules; no additional policy conditions beyond typical grant terms were reported. Council approved Resolution No. 2545 to accept the grant and authorized the city manager or designee to execute grant documents.