Amount Requested: $1,000,000.00

The requested funding is for the implementation of a Geographical Information System (GIS) at the Texas Medical Center.  With a functioning GIS, the City of Houston will then be able to analyze the information on existing utilities and make projections for water, sanitary, and storm sewer lines to met future demand loads.  Design engineers, architects and master planners will have access to this digital information for planning purposes. Texas Medical Center’s economic impact to the region is substantial. According to a recently published study by Southwest Business Research, the TMC generates close to $14 billion in economic benefits annually, up from $8 billion just 6 years ago.   This number is expected to grow to over $21 billion by 2014.  Over the next 7 years, it is estimated that Texas Medical Center employment will grow to over 100,000 employees.  An additional 277,000 jobs in the community will be generated due to the economic activities of the Texas Medical Center.  Without implementing a GIS system to enhance the development and growth of this region, the future growth of the TMC and the ability to serve the community will be jeopardized; consequently, this project is critical to the economic success of the Texas Medical Center and the quality of life and economic benefit of entire Houston region.