PRESENTER: Presenter
Scott McClelland, Assistant Director of Transportation and Capital Improvements
Body
SUBJECT: Title
Public hearing, discussion, and possible action approving an expenditure of up to $1,200,000 to the City of New Braunfels for the construction of the Last Tuber’s Exit Improvements, a project authorized under 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Header
DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) has worked to develop a list of capital projects to support - through engineering and design and/or construction funding - since the summer of 2022. The NBEDC voted unanimously to approve funding the final design of the Last Tuber’s Exit project at its January 19, 2023 meeting with Frees and Nichols, Inc (FNI). The final design completed by FNI includes the construction design drawings and an opinion of probable cost for construction.
The proposed improvements to Last Tuber’s Exit will help reduce staff intervention, reduce the backup of tubers at the lower landing area and stairs, and improve the safety for staff and park users. The construction of these improvements would replace the underwater stairs with additional steps and a 12’ wide underwater landing. Handrails will be replaced, an ADA transfer system will be included, and marker buoys will be added to delineate the underwater landing.
The NBEDC received a presentation on the construction of these improvements at its March 21, 2024 regular meeting. The cost to complete construction of the proposed improvements and for other construction phase expenses is $1,200,000. If approved by the NBEDC, and the City Council, construction would begin after the 2024 river season ends.
ISSUE:
Last Tuber’s Exit requires safety updates to help reduce staff intervention and the backup of tubers exiting the river. These improvements would replace underwater stairs and add additional steps and a wide underwater landing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The construction phase cost is estimated to be $1,200,000; the NBEDC has adequate funds for this project expenditure.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of $1,200,000 for the construction of the Last Tuber’s Exit Improvements.