H-GAC Promotes Opportunities to Plant Trees, Enhance Downtowns and Gateways

H-GAC’s Community Trees and Downtown Public Spaces grant programs offer communities the chance to beautify their downtowns and gateways.

• The Community Trees Grant Program provides funding to purchase trees for community-based plantings in parks, public gathering places, and community gateways. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and non-profit organizations.  All plantings must be located on public land and be accessible to the general public. H-GAC also provides technical assistance with regard to tree species and maintenance plans.  H-GAC has helped fund the planting of trees in 11 communities.

• H-GAC Downtown Public Spaces Grant has awarded grants for 33 projects totaling more than $500,000 since the program began in 2006.The goal of this grant program is not only to enhance public spaces, but also to spark public and private investment into projects that improve quality of life and revitalize our communities.

The matching grant program funds up to 50 percent of the estimated cost of the improvement project with a maximum award of $25,000 per project. Projects must be located on public land, associated with a community gateway, downtown, or business district. Grant funds must be used for capital expenditures, not planning or labor. The grant application period is open, with funds allocated each June and December. For more information please contact Darlene Brown at 713-499-6682 or e-mailDarlene.Brown@h-gac.com.