Environmental Consortium Addressing Inequality Convenes In Houston Sat.

"Like four other communities along the Gulf Coast, the Pleasantville neighborhood on Houston's east side is receiving some expert support to help residents address longstanding environmental justice issues.

The planned 1940s development that placed black war veterans into home ownership faced flooding from Port of Houston dredging in the 1950s, a massive hazardous materials fire in the 1990s, and ongoing pollution concerns from plant emissions to this day.

Under a five-year, $3.3 million grant from the Kellogg Foundation, a historically black college environmental consortium including Texas Southern University will invest resources and expertise in port cities in five states.

In addition to Pleasantville and the 9th Ward in New Orleans, the project will help communities in Gulfport, Miss., Mobile, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla. fight health and environmental inequities."

Cindy George reports for the Houston Chronicle January 12, 2018.