Right of Way (ROW) acquisition & benefits

• TxDOT offers comprehensive relocation services to support displaced residents, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed during the transition:

• Assessing the needs and preferences of displaced individuals and families.

• Explaining relocation assistance programs and options.

• Providing transportation and moving services if necessary. 

• Ensuring the availability of comparable residential properties before displacement.

• Offering written documentation of replacement housing payments.

• Inspecting new residences to ensure they meet decent, safe, and sanitary standards.

• Providing personalized relocation counseling. 

To assist with a smooth transition, TxDOT also provides:

• Property title information and review of associated documents.

• Guidance on property tax and exemption impacts.

• First-time homebuyer seminars. 

• Assistance with escrow processes and clearing property titles.

• Information on accessing social services and community assistance.

• Tips on selecting a real estate agent.

• Credit check and improvement strategies. 

• Household budgeting and maintenance seminars.

To ensure effective communication with LEP individuals who need to be relocated, TxDOT provides translators when necessary and makes benefit details available in multiple preferred languages. In compliance with the VRA, TxDOT conducted LEP Surveys in the seven languages below to assess whether language needs were met for all property owners, residential and business occupants, and tenants relocated to date. 

• All 215 residents of Clayton Homes have been successfully relocated using a combination of vouchers and Uniform Relocation Assistance (URA) benefits.

• Phase 2 of property closing is in progress, with demolition completed by the Houston Housing Authority (HHA).

• Replacement housing for Clayton Homes has been constructed at 800 Middle Street, with relocation efforts allowing uninterrupted services during the transition.

TxDOT is committed to helping displaced residents secure affordable and sustainable housing:

• Offering fair market value for all properties needed for the project.

• Providing supplemental funding to help displaced owners and tenants afford higher-priced housing options.

• Providing an additional $30 million in affordable housing funding for Independence Heights, Near Northside, Greater Fifth Ward, and Greater Third Ward
  
  
• All residents of Clayton Homes have been relocated 
  • Combination of Vouchers and Uniform Relocation Act (URA) benefits used
  • More than 200 eligible relocatees from Clayton Homes
  • Phase 2 of Property Closing is pending
  • Houston Housing Authority (HHA) has performed demolition
     
• Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) required LEP Survey of all relocatees
  • 563 Survey recipients
  • 39 Responses to date

Source: I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project VRA Progress Report. (2023, September 2). TxDOT NHHIP. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/project-sites/nhhip/docs/vra/nhhip-vra-progress-report-1.pdf

TxDOT has committed $30 million in affordable housing funding for communities impacted by the project, including Independence Heights, Near Northside, Greater Fifth Ward, and Greater Third Ward.

• In addition to this funding, a $35 million affordable housing replacement project has been completed for Temenos I Apartments, one mile from the original property.

• Residents of Temenos I stayed in their original facility during the relocation process, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services.

TxDOT goes above and beyond legal requirements to address the unique needs of displaced residents by:

• Guiding them through every step of the relocation process.

• Assisting with locating and inspecting new housing.

• Offering educational seminars on home buying, financial responsibility, and budgeting. 

TxDOT goes above and beyond legal requirements to address the unique needs of displaced residents by:

• Guiding them through every step of the relocation process.

• Assisting with locating and inspecting new housing.

• Offering educational seminars on home buying, financial responsibility, and budgeting. 

Watch "Nyiraburanga & Nyirakamana Home buyers: From Federal Housing to Homeowner"

TxDOT is committed to helping displaced residents secure affordable and sustainable housing:

• Offering fair market value for all properties needed for the project.

• Providing supplemental funding to help displaced owners and tenants afford higher-priced housing options.

Watch "Jones’ Rental Story: From Clayton Homes federal housing apartment renter to home renter"