Economic Alliance Houston Port Region - 2019 Q4 Newsletter: Economic Development Edition

THE SAN JACINTO TEXAS HISTORIC DISTRICT GRANT PROGRAM The San Jacinto Texas Historic District (SJTHD) is committed to funding projects that promote public safety, beautification, special projects, outreach and other priorities aligned with its mission. In the last quarter we have committed to help fund 3 projects: The Galena Park Emergency Siren System, Harris County Pct. 2’s Read2gether and the Pearland Historical Society’s effort to Restore the Pearland Depot.

The City of Galena Park was granted three $5,000 matching grants for three new Early Warning System towers. They are replacing their old system that currently does not work with a new state of the art programmable system. Current and potential partners involved in this initiative are ExxonMobil, Galena Park LEPC, East Harris County Manufactures Association, Harris County Precinct 2, LyondellBasell, Valero, Chevron and Kinder Morgan.

Read2gether is a partnership between Precinct2gether and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This is an early literacy program that provides free books to all enrolled children from birth to age five in Baytown, TX. This will go a long way toward Commissioner Garcia’s commitment to improving the chances of success for the children in Precinct 2. Currently Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, NASA and ExxonMobil have agreed to partner with this project.

The Pearland Historical Society recieved the grant for the restoration project of Pearland’s Historic Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad Depot adjacent to the Pearland City Hall. This project will take place in 3 phases. Phase one: Restore Depot, ADA Compliant Restrooms w/retail space and Shady Canopy entry.

Phase two: Convert canopy to enclosed lobby, 100-person event center, catering kitchen and storage and paved patio area at caboose. Phase three: conversion of caboose. In addition to grants and major gifts received, the committee has sold approximately $10,000 in memorial brick pavers and benches to individual donors.

Keep an eye out for the completion of these projects. As the San Jacinto Texas Historic District is in partnership with the Economic Alliance Quality of Life task force work to continue the tradition of showcasing the history and beauty of the communities in our district.