PHARR - Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and Pharr City officials, along with project partners the City of San Juan, the City of Alamo and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, announced a $2.286 million in funding for the Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project.

The Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization recently awarded $1.577 million to the project under the Transportation Alternatives Program. Local project partners have matched approximately $700,000, totaling the project commitment to $2.286 million.

The project between the City of Pharr, the City of San Juan, the City of Alamo and PSJA School District, will provide pedestrian safety by proposing safe routes to surrounding PSJA ISD schools and improving connections between the tri-city areas. The project will extend sidewalks to encourage the use of alternative transportation by providing a safe haven for pedestrians and bicyclists.

"The safety and security of our students has been one of this administration's highest priority, and this partnership is a prime example of regional collaboration working for the betterment of children and families in our respective communities," said Mayor Hernandez. "I look forward to seeing many more pedestrians using these alternative transportation systems throughout the PSJA area, promoting safety, health and wellness for all our families."

PSJA ISD serves more than 32,000 students, with a large percentage of the student population walking to their neighborhood school, which presents a great concern for their safety where adequate sidewalks are not present. This project will fund the construction of approximately 27,784 square yards of concrete sidewalk within the tri-city district to connect cities, schools, neighborhoods, public parks and businesses by extending sidewalks and closing gaps in service.