Houston's $4 million lighting project for the Montrose bridges has been delayed. Mayor John Whitmire's administration has redirected $2.6 million of the funds initially allocated for the lights to a new initiative focused on ending street homelessness in the city. This decision follows a city council vote in September 2023 approving the lighting project, according to ABC13.
Houston First was supposed to cover the remaining costs and maintenance for the next ten years, but a spokesperson said the funds haven't been transferred back to the city. Councilmember Abbie Kamin raised concerns about the bridges, saying, "The lights are in complete disrepair and falling apart. The railings that protect drivers and pedestrians are falling apart. There are no lights for drivers and residents utilizing the bridges at night," as stated by Houston Chronicle.
The lights on the overpasses, installed for the 2017 Super Bowl, went out in 2018 due to an unpaid bill. Houston First took over but now the funding is being redirected. Finance Director Melissa Dubowski confirmed the money will go back to the general fund. Houston First CEO Michael Heckmen said they will look for other funding sources. Mayor Whitmire’s spokesperson, Mary Benton, added that while current funds are being used for street homelessness, there may be "future opportunities to identify funding sources from other agencies to install the lights at a later date." Concerns about safety and the project’s future remain, as reported by Houston Chronicle and ABC 13.
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