Federal Railroad Administration awards $2 million grant for rail safety improvements in Houston's East End

Houston's East End to Benefit from $2 Million Grant for Rail Safety Upgrades

HOUSTON - The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded a $2 million grant to enhance rail safety in Houston's East End Triangle community, a move aimed at addressing long-standing safety and mobility challenges. This funding is part of a broader initiative to improve rail infrastructure across the nation.

U.S. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, a vocal advocate for rail safety in Washington, D.C., emphasized the significance of this grant in preventing future tragedies. 

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"For too long, train crossings have disrupted daily life in the East End—forcing residents to face freight trains up close, causing delays, and, in some cases, putting lives at risk," Garcia stated. "With this $2 million grant I fought for, we’re finally giving our communities a long-overdue upgrade as we work toward a solution that prioritizes safety and quality of life."

The grant will support the Texas – East End Triangle R.A.I.L.S. Plan, a project designed to assess and improve safety at 14 at-grade crossings in the area. The initiative, known as the Resilience Access and Improved Logistics for Safety, will involve data analysis, coordination with railroads, emergency services, and community engagement to recommend necessary improvements. Harris County and the City of Houston will provide a 20% non-Federal match for the project.

"This grant will help address the dangers and disruptions caused by railroads intersecting our streets, creating a safer environment for everyone—kids walking to school, first responders on critical calls, and families going about their day," Garcia added. "It’s a meaningful step toward safer neighborhoods that East End residents deserve."

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While the effort has been underway by community members and Garcia, it comes a month after Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, a sophomore at Milby High School, was struck and killed by a moving train Dec. 9. 

"It's going to study 14 at-grade crossings. If we're able to get just a few out of that, it's going to be a significant impact on the safety and mobility of the area," said Eastwood Civic Association President Lindsey Williams. "We're really looking forward to seeing what we can do with the information we gather."  

The FRA's announcement is part of a larger effort, with more than $1.1 billion allocated to 123 rail projects nationwide under the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. This marks the largest single investment in grade crossing safety in the agency's history. Combined with previous investments under the Biden-Harris Administration, the FRA has now directed $48.5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to over 445 rail projects across the country, including Amtrak.

"Getting this feasibility study on the triangle is the first step to get real action on what we need to have happen in the East End," Williams said.

There will be a series of public engagement meetings and collaborative efforts made by the FRA and local stakeholders. Stay with FOX 26 for more updates on this story.