Cleanup work along another portion of Brushy Creek – to make way for Houston’s walking trail – will begin soon.
The Village Trail is an effort of the City of Houston that will eventually circle the city. Local government has received funding from the Missouri Department of Transportation for two legs and is seeking an additional grant to complete another segment. A hearing was held Monday night.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources also has pitched in. Through the effort, concrete sidewalks will be constructed to accommodate dual lane activities for participants and new transportation lanes will be created.
The most recent section of the stream is the area that borders property owned by the Akins family.
The current projects include:
*The Brushy Creek Trail, funded by a Missouri Department of Natural Resources grant, is to be completed by December. This will include a trailhead to be placed at the former gravel operation at Oak Hill Drive. Downtown Houston Inc. earlier signed an agreement to purchase the property. Access will be from the Houston Visitors Center, Emmett Kelly Park and the Texas County Justice Center.
*A 2005 Missouri Department of Transportation grant will fund a 10-foot wide transportation lane along U.S. 63 from Highway 17 to Grand Avenue. This includes a native rock entry sign for the downtown. Engineer plans are being finalized with a completion date in 2009.
*A 2006 MoDOT grant will fund a 10-foot wide stretch from U.S. 63 to Grand Avenue to Emmett Kelly Park. It also will continue the north end of the Brushy Creek stretch along Grand Avenue to Spruce Street. Completion date: 2010.
*A stretch through Emmett Kelly Park is funded by the City of Houston.
•The city is applying for a 2007 MoDOT grant to fund lanes along Spruce Street. Completion date is 2011. Additionally, two permanent native rock entry signs at North U.S. 63 and South U.S. 63 are included.
As part of the downtown revitalization effort, the council approved the purchase of 16 trash receptacles that will be constructed by a local business, McKinney Forge and Design Studio, Bucyrus. The city will seek funding for the addition of a recycling bin compartment.
In other matters, members:
-Heard that an open house was set for Tuesday at Houston’s new storm shelter at First and Pine streets.
-Learned that Houston and Licking officials recently met with Southern Missouri Gas Co. concerning the firm’s intentions to begin serving the communities with natural gas. Clearance from the Missouri Public Service Commission must be obtained before work begins.
-Heard that progress is being made toward the acquisition of property known as the Tweed House. Bids will be opened May 31 for improvements at the Houston Memorial Airport. The council will review them June 4. The funds come from a transportation grant secured earlier by Houston.
-Learned that a realignment and the addition of another storm siren is complete. The locations are: near Pizza Hut on South Sam Houston Blvd., downtown, near Oak Hill Drive and the Houston Industrial Park.
-Were told installation of a bathroom is completed a new bus barn facilities on Oak Hill Drive.
-Learned that the city will seek a Missouri Department of Conservation grant that would pay for an assessment of trees at the city parks and cemetery.