The City of Richardson is one of three communities in Texas to be awarded an AARP Community Challenge Grant.

A total of $1.6 million was distributed to fund 159 quick-action projects, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. The City of Richardson received $15,200.

Funds awarded through the grant will support a temporary demonstration project intended to improve and enhance the connectivity, mobility and safety of the City’s residents, workers and older adults who rely on public transit by installing a temporary bike lane along Greenville Avenue and an at-grade crossing at the Arapaho Center DART Station that will allow riders to bypass the existing tunnel underneath Greenville Avenue. The project will showcase short-term alternations to improve a key corridor in Richardson.

“This really helps with improving the mobility along Greenville Avenue corridor and connecting those folks who work in the innovation district to be able to hop on their bike and easily get to east side for lunch or down to THE core for lunch or coffee, and so really it provides a great connection along the Greenville Avenue corridor,” said Doug McDonald, planning projects manager.

AARP received more than 1,660 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process.