What we’re doing

Civil Rights Complaint Against Discriminatory Actions By TxDOT 

In conjunction with partner communities and organizations, wes filed two legal complaint against TxDOT under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As currently designed, the NHHIP would displace residents in over one thousand households and hundreds of businesses in communities adjacent to the I-45 corridor, mostly in low income areas.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has ordered a pause of the project to investigate these and other potential civil rights violations. We continue to fight with Houstonians to make sure community concerns surrounding the project are addressed.

A Health Impact Assessment of the NHHIP

In spring 2018, we were funded by the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation under the 500 Cities Data Challenge to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of the NHHIP. The assessment focused on potential air quality, mobility, and flooding impacts at nine priority school campuses along the I-45 corridor. The study represents eight months of examining data and engagement with stakeholders and community members to evaluate the potential health impacts of the proposed expansion. Our findings show that if mitigative strategies are not put in place, children and the surrounding communities may experience increased exposure to harmful air pollution, face more traffic safety concerns, and have to deal with aggravated flooding risks.

• See here for a summary of the key findings and recommendations.
• Read here the full Health Impact Assessment Report.
• A comprehensive overview of the HIA and all final products are available on the Urban Institute’s “Putting Local Data to Work” site.

Learn more