City of Cameron Awarded $8.26 Million to Fund Quiet Zone and Complete Streets Project
CAMERON, Texas, (January 14, 2025) – The City of Cameron, in partnership with the Cameron Economic Development Corporation, has been awarded $8,261,972 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE Grant program (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity). This funding will support the Quiet Zone and Complete Streets Project, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing safety and reducing noise pollution through critical upgrades at five BNSF railroad crossings.
The project will implement safety measures such as medians, curbing, and four-quadrant gate systems at crossings on Adams Avenue, S. Rusk Avenue, 1st Street, FM 1600/College Street, and Gillis Street. Additional Complete Streets improvements at Adams Avenue and S. 1st Street will include sidewalks, streetlights, pedestrian gates, handrails, drainage enhancements, fencing, and drought-tolerant shade trees. These upgrades seek to significantly reduce the risk of future incidents while improving pedestrian connectivity, beautifying streetscapes, and enhancing Cameron’s quality of life.
The groundwork for this project began in 2022, with the City of Cameron diligently working for several years to secure funding. The successful award represents the culmination of three years of effort and collaboration with the Central Texas Council of Governments to develop competitive grant applications. Cameron’s 2024 application was one of the few selected for FY 2025 funding, offering a 100% federally funded project for the city.
“This is a highly unusual grant in that it offers 100% funding to rural communities, meaning no local funds will be expended for this critical community safety and economic development project,” said Ginger Watkins, Executive Director of the Cameron Industrial Foundation. “Improved sidewalks and pedestrian connectivity will make our streets safer and more inviting while encouraging investment and job creation.” Watkins also credited the leadership of City Manager Ricky Tow and the expertise of the Central Texas Council of Governments in securing the grant.
The project represents the culmination of three years of efforts to secure the competitive RAISE Grant. Cameron’s 2024 application was one of the few selected for FY 2025 funding, a milestone achieved with the Central Texas Council of Governments’ collaboration. The project is anticipated to be completed by December 2026, following key approvals and agreements with BNSF Railroad, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Federal Railroad Administration.
For more information about the Quiet Zone and Complete Streets Project, please contact Ricky Tow, City Manager, City of Cameron or Ginger Watkins, Executive Director, Cameron Industrial Foundation
