La Feria Sidewalk Project Underway

Updated: April 22, 2013

“Safe Routes to School for our Children”

Crews building three miles of new La Feria sidewalks this summer.

Have you noticed the hard-working, construction crews around town of late? They are rushing to complete three miles of fresh, new sidewalks before the start of La Feria schools in September. The contractor has until later in the year to complete the project according to Irene Szedlmayer, Planning and Community Development Director, but they want to have it ready for the kids by the first day of school.

Szedlmayer said, “This project will make a safe and convenient way for students in the proximity of Sam Houston Elementary, C.E. Vail Elementary, W.B. Green middle school, Noemi Dominguez Elementary, and the La Feria High School to be able to walk to school on ample five-foot-wide new sidewalks.” She added that the five-foot-wide width makes it easier for pedestrians to pass, and also for people in wheel chairs to navigate downtown.

The La Feria Sidewalk Project began four years ago when the City of La Feria made request for funds from the Texas Department of Transportation. It was spearheaded by Lori Weaver, the Mayor pro-tem at the time. As a result of those efforts by the city administration, a grant of $500,000 was granted with significant contributions by the city of La Feria.

Irene Szedlmayer, Planning and Community Development Director

The City project Director added that the city has submitted another request for sidewalk construction along the Expressway access roads, north on FM 506 and Parker Road. “This money will come from another source called the Texas Department of Transportation Sidewalk Enhancement Program,” Szedlmayer said, “As soon as we receive the funds, that work will begin,” she assured.

She noted that the enhancements are not only for just one segment of he population, but others benefit also: “For example,” she said, “all our citizens will enjoy the safety and convenience of these well-constructed, attractive sidewalks. Likewise, our Winter Texans will be surprised next Fall when they return and find all these new sidewalks to explore.”

Anyone wanting additional information about the project, and to find if their street is included, can call the office of Irene Szedlmayer at (956) 797-2261 or email [email protected].