Texas A&M Forest Service grant awards RGV cities

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (ValleyCentral) —Texas A&M Forest Service has awarded $4 million for community forestry projects, and some RGV cities received this grant.

The Texas A&M Forest Service's website states that the program, established in 2022, provides funding to help Texans address local challenges through urban forestry investments. It also helps develop nature-based solutions that support healthier, resilient, and livable communities.

Additionally, the website highlights that 18 Texas municipal schools and non-profit organizations were awarded grant funding this month, totaling over $4 million.

"With these grants, communities can strategically expand tree canopy coverage to help reduce heat-related health risks, improve air and water quality, and strengthen local infrastructure," said Alison Fulton, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Urban Ecologist.

"These projects will also support economic growth by creating jobs, increasing property values, and reducing public costs through stormwater management and energy savings."

In the category of community greening transformations, Region One Education Service Center in Edinburg was awarded $1,181,667; City of Pharr Parks and Recreation was awarded $1,181,666.

In the category of tree planting and maintenance, the City of Harlingen received $20,000.