PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Director of Transportation & Construction Services
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a resolution recommended by the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation approving a project expenditure of up to $1,400,000 to the City of New Braunfels for final design of Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Gruene Multimodal Improvements Project, pursuant to 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Construction Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Gruene Multimodal Improvements project will address pedestrian, bicycle and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements in the Gruene Historic District and surrounding area to enhance safety and connectivity. The project includes:
- Shared-use paths on Gruene Road and Hunter Road
- Sidewalks along key corridors
- Intersection improvements at Gruene Road and Rock Street
- Bike lane, landscaping, and other enhancements in key areas
This funding request will address final design including extensive stakeholder outreach, Gruene area specialized design and aesthetic improvements, required state coordination, and bidding phases of the project. The final design funding request is $1,400,000.
AAMPO has pledged $5,568,740 toward 80% of the construction costs, with the remaining 20% to be matched in the future.
The tentative project schedule includes:
- Final Design Contract Awarded: Summer 2026
- Construction Let Date: 2031, with potential for acceleration
- Secure Funding for 20% Construction Match: In alignment with Construction Let Date
Section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code permits the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) to invest in expenditures related to open space improvements to roads and streets. The NBEDC has previously supported project expenditures for pedestrian improvements, including those recently completed on Common Street and Union Avenue.
This project falls under the Planning and Infrastructure category in the NBEDC’s Strategic Priorities. The NBEDC received a presentation on this project at their February 19, 2026 meeting in which Planning & Infrastructure - Strategic Priority 2 projects were discussed. The NBEDC held a public hearing on June 18, 2026 and approved this expenditure.
ISSUE:
Approval of a recommendation from the NBEDC to fund a project expenditure: final design of AAMPO Gruene Multimodal Improvements - in an amount not to exceed $1,400,000.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☒Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
The NBEDC has an appropriate fund balance to approve this expenditure.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this project expenditure to fund the final design of the AAMPO Gruene Multimodal Improvements