PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Transportation and Construction Services Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Advance Funding Agreement between the City of New Braunfels and the Texas Department of Transportation for the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Project Phase 2.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Construction Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of New Braunfels was awarded construction funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Transportation Alternatives program to construct various mobility improvements at five locations around New Braunfels, which include shared-use paths, protected crossings, new sidewalks, and removal of barriers to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These locations include Hanz Drive, Avery Parkway, North Peach Avenue, North Plum Avenue, and North Grape Avenue.
The City Council passed a resolution of support on April 28, 2023, authorizing the submittal of the project to AAMPO for funding. The project was selected for inclusion in the program, which provides 80% of the construction cost. The City is responsible for the remaining 20% of the construction cost and full project development cost, including design services, right-of-way, and construction overruns. An Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation is required for the funding program and a resolution by the City Council confirming the City's financial commitment, including payment of construction overruns, and identifying the authorized signatory to execute the AFA. The AFA must be in place before project development begins. The AFA refers to the project as “New Braunfels Bike/Ped”, but the City project name is AAMPO Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Project Phase 2, which is the name that has been used during prior presentations to the City Council and the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC).
AAMPO has pledged $3,416,694, which is 80% of the estimated construction costs for the project. The City will be responsible for the outstanding 20% construction cost match required in the future. Construction is expected to take place in 2028.
On May 21, 2026, NBEDC approved an amount not to exceed $405,000 for the completion of the plans, specifications, and cost estimates. Freese and Nichols submitted a scope and fee of $374,417 for the requested services, which was approved by City Council on July 13, 2026.
ISSUE:
Provide a system of convenient and safe transportation facilities through comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transportation system planning and development.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
N/A Economic Mobility YES Enhanced Connectivity N/A Community Identity
N/A Organizational Excellence YES Community Well-Being
Enhanced Connectivity
• Support and maintain a well-connected transportation network.
• Support the ongoing maintenance of the City’s multi-modal transportation network.
• Assess pedestrian connectivity and ADA accessibility and establish priorities for funding, constructing and maintaining pedestrian improvements.
• 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.
Community Well-Being
• Develop investments that improve safety, reduce heat islands and encourage transportation modes that support healthier lifestyles and exercise such as biking, walking and running.
• Look for opportunities to reconnect the community by mitigating barriers to community connectivity.
FISCAL IMPACT:
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Construction Cost Breakdown: |
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Estimated Construction Cost (l00%) |
$4,270,868 |
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Federal Construction Participation (80%) |
$3,416,694 |
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City Construction Participation (20%) |
$854,174 |
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City Participation-Direct State Costs |
$74,313 |
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Total City Participation |
$928,487 |
State direct state costs will be paid from the 2023 Bond Citywide Streets program. Funding for the City’s remaining 20% portion will need to be identified at the completion of final design.
The City's payment of $74,313 for the Direct State Costs is due to the State within 30 days of execution of this contract. Sufficient funds are available to support the initial payment.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Advance Funding Agreement between the City of New Braunfels and the Texas Department of Transportation for the Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Project and approval of the expenditure for the state direct cost.