Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution authorizing negotiation and execution of an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the use of federal earmark funding from Congressman Gregorio Casar's Office in the amount of $4,116,279, as construction reimbursement for the Longhorn Dam Multimodal Improvements Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project, for a total estimated project cost of $6,185,729, with the City's share of the cost estimated to be $2,053,262 plus any cost overruns. Funding: $4,116,279 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Transportation and Public Works; $2,053,262 for the City's share of the cost is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Transportation and Public Works from the 2018 and 2020 Mobility Bonds.
De
Lead Department
Austin Transportation and Public Works
Fiscal Note
Funding: $4,116,279 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Transportation and Public Works; $2,053,262 for the City's share of the cost is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Transportation and Public Works from the 2018 and 2020 Mobility Bonds.
Prior Council Action:
December 8, 2022 - Resolution No. 20221208-061 directing the City Manager to conduct a high-level staff review assessing the feasibility of providing trail connections north of the Colorado River from Pleasant Valley Road to the Colorado River Trailhead was approved on an 11-0 vote.
For More Information:
Richard Mendoza, Director, 512-974-2488; Amica Bose Assistant Director, 512-974-6447; John Eastman Division Manager; 512-974-7025; Gilda Powers, Quality Consultant, 512-974-7092.
Additional Backup Information:
The City of Austin received a letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), allocating $4,116,279 for Community Project Funding (CPF)/Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Earmark for the construction of multimodal improvements along Cesar Chavez Street (Pleasant Valley Road to Red Bluff Road) and Red Bluff Road (Cesar Chavez Street to Shady Lane). This accounts for 80% of the estimated total construction amount. The City is required to match 20% of the construction total amount, and any cost overruns. The City is also responsible for funding the non-construction aspects of the project. Funding for the construction match and all non-construction aspects is available in the 2018 and 2020 Mobility Bonds. Indirect state costs in the amount of $16,188, will be paid by the State.
The project will construct a new urban trail that extends eastward from the existing Ann & Roy Butler Trail, east of Longhorn Dam along Cesar Chavez Street (Pleasant Valley Road to Red Bluff Road) and Red Bluff Road (Cesar Chavez Street to Shady Lane). The new trail will tie into the recently constructed Wishbone Bridge, providing a new connection to existing and future trails in East Austin. Planned improvements also include new pedestrian crossings, traffic signal upgrades, intersection enhancements, and bus stop improvements.
While some may envision a trail closer to the waterfront, several challenges make this route infeasible in the near term. Most of the land along the waterfront is not publicly owned or controlled, limiting the City's ability to develop infrastructure in that area. Additionally, low-lying areas near the Colorado River are prone to flooding, posing long-term safety and maintenance challenges for the trail.
By building the trail along Cesar Chavez Street and Red Bluff Road, the City can create a resilient, connected and community-serving corridor that complements the existing trail system while strengthening access to parks, transit and nearby neighborhood destinations. This approach also helps address longstanding safety concerns on Cesar Chavez Street, including high vehicle speeds and a history of crashes.
The City will oversee utility coordination, design and engineering services, environmental review (as needed), and construction of the project.
The City will submit for reimbursement as construction progresses with the expectation for full reimbursement of the 80% grant upon completion of the project.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2027, and last for approximately 12-24 months.