Texas cities get $31.6 million to plant trees

On September 14th, the USDA Forest Service announced that communities in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and several U.S. territories will receive $1 billion in grants to grow urban and community forests and increase access to green spaces, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The grant funding was made available through the Inflation Reduction Act. Various Texas cities were awarded grants, including Garland ($1,000,000), Pflugerville ($150,000), and San Marcos ($299,722). Dallas and Houston each received $15,000,000. 

The allocation of the grants by the Urban and Community Forest Program will aid in the program’s efforts to expand tree canopies in disadvantaged communities. Tree canopies provide shelter and shade to the ground, help reduce air pollution, reduce the effects of extreme heat, and promote healthy lifestyles. As extreme heat and air pollution continue to burden Texas cities, the growth of urban and community forests will contribute to public health solutions, environmental justice initiatives, and climate change mitigation in Texas.

More information on grant recipients and urban forest projects can be found here.