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Jun 2, 2009 5:11 pm US/Central
Fort Worth Will Use Grant $ To Repair Sidewalks
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Dozens of Fort Worth neighborhoods have a growing problem right under their feet - they don't have safe sidewalks. But for many people the problem will soon be corrected.
Fort Worth is reeling in $1.79 Million in federal dollars to help areas like the Polytech neighborhood in east central Fort Worth.
"Some of these sidewalks are no good," said Marie Polk, a Polytech resident who needs a firm surface to balance the walker she must use to be mobile. "They're all wore out and gone."
Problems in the area range from - curbs broken, pavement sunken, no handicap access, and in many cases no sidewalk at all.
It's become very common to see children and the elderly walking in the street. "Sometimes I walk and make sure no traffic is coming and then I try to get out of the way of traffic and walk on the curb area," said Carletta Branch, an elderly Polytech resident who doesn't want to encroach on private property. "You know I don't want to get on anyone's lawn or anything like that," she said.
With Fort Worth behind in sidewalk construction and maintenance, the city is about to put federal stimulus money 'under foot'. Community grants will give the city nearly $1.8 Million.
First in line for repairs; lower income areas across the city. The money is just a drop in the bucket, since the city has $40 Million in sidewalk needs, but with huge budget shortfalls, planners are thankful for what they can get.
"It's only five percent," said Jay Chapa, the city's Assistant Director of Economic and Community Development. "1.79 [Million] is about five-percent of that need. It is still going to be able to make a difference, especially if it ends up in front of your house."
There is a long list of Fort Worth city streets that will see improvements.
Read more about the City of Fort Worth 'Plan for Use of Community Development Block Grant R Funds'.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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