The office of Mayor John Whitmire revealed last week that it would take $2.6 million away from a project to repair damaged bridge lighting in Montrose.
“The City of Houston does not have the money for decorative bridge lights,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “Mayor Whitmire has other priorities, including a plan to fund the recently announced initiative to end street homelessness.”
After being installed in 2017, the bridge lights completely stopped functioning by 2018. They illuminated six bridges that span I-59. The tourism-oriented Houston First Corporation was given $2.6 million by the Houston City Council to restore the lights.
Last month, Whitmire declared his intention to “end homelessness” by providing local organizations with long-term financing, including $70 million over the course of the following year. Whitmire defended Wednesday’s reallocation of council-approved monies, stating that hotel management in the downtown area sought to avoid forcing visitors “to step over the homeless or try to go to the arts district and theater.”
“I take full responsibility representing Houstonians that we ve got to have priorities,” Whitmire stated. “When it was funded, this was nice. Art money was used for it. Houston First was cooperative. In the end, we are broke, and we must manage our spending carefully if we are to maintain our wonderful city.”
A number of council members, including Montrose representative Abbie Kamin, resisted. She questioned if future funding would be available for bridge repairs, emphasizing that the council had already approved the cash for a specific use.
“It’s not about the decorative lighting,” Kamin stated. “Dark bridges lack lighting for cars. No street lamps are present. Nothing exists. It doesn’t have to be today, but because it’s not about the ornamental light, I would want to hear what we plan to accomplish there, Mayor, in collaboration with Houston First.”
The reallocation of the monies caused a heated argument between Whitmire and Council Member Edward Pollard, who questioned whether the diversion was lawful.
Whitmire contended, “It’s not a safety issue,” “We asked TxDOT to confirm. They think they’re safe because it’s their responsibility and their bridges. I’m sorry to interrupt, but it’s time to stop making good governance a political issue.
“You always say it s time to stop politicizing when you re on the wrong side of the issue,” Pollard responded.
According to City Attorney Arturo Michel, if Houston First’s 2025 budget was authorized by the City Council, the reallocation would be permitted. The council unanimously approved Houston First’s proposal on Wednesday in order to avoid delaying other projects.
As for the Montrose bridge lights’ future, Whitmire’s spokeswoman stated, “There may be opportunities to identify resources from the private sector, other agencies and organizations in the future.”
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
