The Southwest Austin site could serve a dual purpose, according to Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority deputy executive director Jeff Dailey. It could lessen street parking around the Wildflower Center and adjacent Veloway by expanding on-site parking options while also providing a connection to public transportation routes.
Capital Metro, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Mobility Authority entered into an agreement in 2016 identifying park & ride sites in targeted areas, including the Wildflower Center at 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin.
Mobility Authority board member Nikelle Meade said progress at the Southwest Austin site is overdue.
“It feels like we’ve been doing concept design at least at the Wildflower Center for a few years. What is the impediment?” Meade asked Dailey at a Feb. 24 board meeting.
Capital Metro’s Project Connect plan approved in November provided $60 million for park and ride facilities, including the one in Southwest Austin. A spokesperson from the public transportation agency said funding from that investment can be in conjunction with partnership agreements with other agencies to fund the new facility.
According to the Mobility Authority, the next steps involve staff of Capital Metro, the Wildflower Center and the Mobility Authority meeting to coordinate plans in advance of a possible public meeting.
Timeline: TBD
Cost: $15 million-$25 million
Funding source: TBD
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the accurate name of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
