What the Bayou Greenway Initiative Does…

Creates world-class trails and parks at far less cost than traditional acquisition and development by leveraging governmental water quality and flood control investments

Adds 243 miles of new trails in 1,600 acres of linear parks and recreation areas on 10 of the 22 major bayous in the Houston Region

Plus over 3,200 acres of healthy, active recreation areas for all of Harris County, and especially our most under-served communities

Improves our quality of life, image, and future prosperity more than anything else we could do Less flooding through increasing water storage and detention. Better water quality as create natural systems that clean bacteria efficiently. Health through active recreation, especially for our children. Transportation alternative for short trips and connects our diverse neighborhoods. Critical public space that connects as as citizens and gives us common ground. Attracts jobs and economic prosperity for the future.

Provides alternative transportation & Connectivity for 10 of the 22 bayous and surrounding tributaries in the Houston Region

Is a long time in developing In a 1913 report to Houston’s Park Commission, urban planner Arthur Comey wrote: “The backbone of a park system for Houston will be its bayou and creek valleys, which readily lend themselves to trails and parks and cannot so advantageously be used for any other purpose.” It is time to complete that vision.

Little White Oak White Oak Buffalo Brays

Bayou Greenway Initiative Bayou Greenways -- 1912 Bayou Greenway Initiative

A Collective Effort of Many Stakeholders Federal, State, County, City, business leaders, corporations, nonprofits, philanthropists, management districts, TIRZ’s, individual contributors, and many others Brays Bayou Association Citizens for Responsible Watershed Management The Coalition is an umbrella organization that allows the business, civic and environmental communities to collaborate with public officials to improve the quality of life in Houston and Harris County. More than 90 endorsers. The Partnership is … The Houston Parks Board…. The Bayou Preservation Association…. Joined with the myriad of citizens’ groups who support responsible bayou development along individual bayou corridors…

Tributary Connectivity & Transportation

Example: White Oak Bayou

How Much will The Bayou Greenway Initiative Cost?

How Much Will it Cost? Land Acquisition $194M Trail Development $296M Total $490M

Discuss multiple funding options—all levels of government and the private sector will need to contribute. This scale project is doable for a City with a $4 billion annual budget and a County with a ____ budget. 18

Is $490M Too Big? 1 Reliant Stadium ($449 million) 2 Minute Maid Stadiums ($250 million each) 3 miles of managed lanes along 290 8 miles of I-10 12 miles of Grand Parkway Discuss multiple funding options—all levels of government and the private sector will need to contribute. This scale project is doable for a City with a $4 billion annual budget and a County with a ____ budget. 19

Projects Ready for Implementation :: Total Value: $142M :: Already in Discussions with Harris County Congressional Delegation

Pulling Together the Resources ~$49M/year for 10 years :: Federal :: State :: County :: Cities :: Management districts, TIRZ’s, MUDs :: Non-profits :: Corporations & Business Leaders :: Philanthropists :: Individual Contributors

What are The Bayou Greenway Initiative’s Benefits?

Growth & Economic Development 70% of college-educated young people say parks and greenspace are important in choosing where to live and work Addressing these issues improves quality of life for all residents of Houston and Harris County. Best economic development improves the community, not just marketing. Addressing these issues help ALL citizens of Houston and Harris County: Active recreation opportunities and decreased health costs, Flood mitigation Increased property values Reduced heat island effect, cooling our city Attracting the best, the brightest and jobs Why is attracting educated citizens to our city and county critical? These people drive the prosperity of the entire populace. Chicago estimates that for every >>> 23

Increased Property Values Up to 22% residential & up to 74% commercial – enhancing quality of life and economic prosperity simultaneously Addressing these issues improves quality of life for all residents of Houston and Harris County. Best economic development improves the community, not just marketing. Addressing these issues help ALL citizens of Houston and Harris County: Active recreation opportunities and decreased health costs, Flood mitigation Increased property values Reduced heat island effect, cooling our city Attracting the best, the brightest and jobs Why is attracting educated citizens to our city and county critical? These people drive the prosperity of the entire populace. Chicago estimates that for every >>> 24

Improved Health 3 hours of bicycling per week can reduce a person’s risk of heart attack by 50% Addressing these issues improves quality of life for all residents of Houston and Harris County. Best economic development improves the community, not just marketing. Addressing these issues help ALL citizens of Houston and Harris County: Active recreation opportunities and decreased health costs, Flood mitigation Increased property values Reduced heat island effect, cooling our city Attracting the best, the brightest and jobs Why is attracting educated citizens to our city and county critical? These people drive the prosperity of the entire populace. Chicago estimates that for every >>> 25

Reduced Flooding Additional green space along the bayou greenways increases flood detention areas and reduces downstream flooding

Cleaner Water thru Natural Plant Filtration Significant reduction in certain types of bacteria

Cleaner & Cooler Air 1 acre greenway absorbs the carbon emissions of 26,000 miles in an average car and reduces urban heat-island effect

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities Family walking, biking, running, canoeing, bird watching, and golf courses are top desired amenities of urban residents

Wildlife Habitat Protection Four ecosystems within Harris County alone; 600 of the 800 birds found in North America can be seen in the Houston/Galveston region at any one time!

How you can help Tell public officials that you support the Bayou Greenway Initiative Join and support your local bayou/parks group Sign up for news and action items at www.qolhouston.org Join us on Facebook at BayouGreenwayInitiativeHouston Create handout with short argument/information and contact information on relevant government officials