Inland port receives $25-million grant

WILMER – The Dallas County Inland Port is in receipt of a $25 million grant awarded to Dallas County by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The $25 million is earmarked to advance the Dallas County Inland Port Multimodal Connectivity Project, which will benefit the cities of Wilmer and Lancaster.  

Laura Freeland, executive director of the Southern Dallas County Inland Port Transportation Management Association’s media release explained  the $25 million Raise Grant the investment will upgrade Belt Line Road from Alba Road to the east of Mason Road, and Sunrise Road from Pleasant Run Road to the Loop 9 frontage roads. 

The project will also transform the existing 2-lane roadways into 4-lane divided facilities, complete with side paths and sidewalks.

“This $25 million grant awarded to Inland Port is a wonderful benefit for the City of Wilmer since portions of this money will be used to continue to improve the city for both motorists and pedestrians,” said Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta. 

“The improvements through this grant will help Wilmer not only maintain, but improve where necessary the city’s infrastructure while at the same time providing enhanced safety.”

The project benefits will increase safety by enhancing roadways with separated sidewalks and shared-use paths, designed to protect travelers and offer increased comfort and security for non-motorists and will improve environmental sustainability by improving the resilience of critical infrastructure in the case of extreme weather. 

Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2027.