PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Transportation and Capital Improvements Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval a resolution supporting the City of New Braunfels’ application to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) call for projects.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued an agency call for projects for the Transportation Alternatives federal funding opportunity. This funding source supports the implementation of transportation safety improvements, pedestrian facilities, and transportation planning studies. Contingent upon the availability of federal funding, the estimated amount available in this call is approximately $250 million for Fiscal Years 2027-2030.
Projects submitted for funding consideration must have a minimum construction or implementation cost of $250,000 and be on functionally classified roads and in areas open to the public. Project submittals and local match commitments are due to TxDOT on June 20, 2025. TxDOT will select projects in October 2025 based on technical score, agency priorities, and project readiness.
This funding source is a reimbursement program that provides 80% of the construction and implementation costs. The implementing agency is responsible for a 20% minimum local match and 100% project development costs, including engineering, environmental, right-of-way, construction management, and TxDOT project administration.
City staff are recommending one project for funding. The project is recommended based on mobility and safety needs, high-growth locations, and the city’s transportation goals.
The recommended construction project includes:
1. Waterway Lane Trail
a. Within the right-of-way dedicated for the construction of Waterway Lane, which is designated as a proposed minor collector. The extent is Gruene Road to Old FM 306.
b. Installing a 12 ft shared-use path trail with pedestrian lighting and amenities, ADA and enhanced crossings at Gruene Road, Common Street, and Old FM 306, including a pedestrian drainage crossing.
City staff are preparing the applications for the proposed city projects including project scope, cost estimates, and documentation. The current construction and implementation cost is approximately $4,300,000 and project development cost is approximately $752,000. The application requires a resolution of support for the project and commitment of the local match.
ISSUE:
Improve road safety and pedestrian facility network by leveraging external funding sources.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☒Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
The project meets the following objectives in the Strategic Plan for Enhanced Connectivity.
1. Identify and establish planning, capital, and operating funding to support and maintain a well-connected transportation network serving pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, children, older individuals, individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.
4. Collaborate with governmental partners to improve transportation access and connections throughout the region.
The project contribute to meeting the following Performance Measure Outcomes in the Strategic Plan for Enhanced Connectivity.
• Increase in walk and bike Score.
• Increased bikeway, trails, and sidewalk miles.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Federal reimbursement programs provide 80% of construction and implementation costs. The implementing agency is responsible for a 20% minimum local match and 100% of project development costs, including engineering, environmental, right-of-way, construction management, and TxDOT project administration. If City of New Braunfels projects are selected, the funding for these projects will be identified in future years’ budgets, including leveraging funding from bond programs, Park Development Fees, and potentially the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a resolution supporting the submission of the City of New Braunfels project to the Texas Department of Transportation for federal funding in Fiscal Years 2027-2030.