The City of Fort Worth has made a bold move to boost its development sector, launching a new wing dedicated to aiding small-scale infrastructure projects. According to an announcement made in April, the Development Services Department has kicked off the Small-Scale Infrastructure Program (SSIP), designed specifically to cater to the needs of smaller developers. This program is a beacon of hope for small businesses, seeking to revamp the city's infrastructure with judicious, effective solutions.
"We are thrilled to introduce this program," D.J. Harrel, director of Development Services, said as per the City of Fort Worth. Harrel assures that the SSIP will not only tighten up current processes but also snip significant time, and costs for participants. The services offered, like streetlights and sidewalks, are custom-fitted for smaller construction endeavors, with the promise of expanding shortly. Plans – to include utilities, drainage, road improvements, and green spaces – are already on the cards.
Service management, project planning, development, design services, contract management, permitting, financial oversight, construction, and community interaction form the crux of what SSIP offers. Such a comprehensive package aims to make the city a more business-friendly environment. Ty Thompson, assistant director of Development Services said, "This program is just another example of the City of Fort Worth’s pursuit of innovative initiatives." Thompson's remark underscores the city’s commitment to fostering small business growth and infill development, per the City of Fort Worth.
Entrepreneurs eager to jump on the SSIP bandwagon can do so online, using the Accela permitting system, or they can pop into City Hall to get the paperwork going. For businesses that tread the challenging path of development, this service cuts through red tape and offers a streamlined path forward. Program staff, consisting of experts like Jenna Lynn Henderson, PE, PMP; Blanchet Dimonekene, EIT; Evelyn Roberts and Victor V. Tornero Jr., PE, stand ready to guide applicants through the necessary steps.
