PRESENTER: Presenter
Jordan Matney, Deputy City Manager
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider 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 the 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 roadway segments
- Intersection improvements at Gruene Road and Rock Street
- Bike lane, landscaping, and other enhancements in key areas
This funding request will cover final design, including extensive stakeholder outreach, specialized design and aesthetic improvements in the Gruene area, 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 its February 19, 2026, meeting, where 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:
N/A Economic Mobility YES Enhanced Connectivity YES Community Identity
N/A Organizational Excellence YES Community Well-Being
• Enhanced Connectivity - Set total number of linear feet of gaps and measure progress made through redevelopment, capital investment, etc.
• Enhanced Connectivity - Increase bikeway, trails, and sidewalk miles
• Enhanced Connectivity - Increase walk and bike score
• Community Identity - Allocate resources and recurring funding dedicated to community-wide beautification and streetscape enhancement
• Community Well-Being - Develop capital and staffing investments that improve safety, reduce heat islands, and encourage transportation modes that support healthier lifestyles and exercise such as biking, walking, and running
New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) Strategic Priorities:
• Planning and Infrastructure - Make thoughtful and strategic investments in capital planning processes as well as infrastructure development in areas including transportation, drainage, public spaces, and trails to create an attractive environment for business growth and development and talent acquisition
• Enhancing Sense of Place - Strengthen quality of place by advancing investments that preserve New Braunfels’ character and improve downtown amenities, create unique outdoor spaces, and support catalytic projects for the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The NBEDC has an appropriate fund balance to approve this expenditure.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend approval of this project expenditure to fund the final design of the AAMPO Gruene Multimodal Improvements.