A search, a shift and a solution: 5 stories impacting the Austin metro

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2. Austin Energy taps AI system to aid regional wildfire detection efforts

Austin Energy is turning to a new artificial intelligence system to look out for potential wildfires as the city and surrounding areas remain alert for fire risks.

Wildfire management firm Pano AI will soon bring its services to the Austin area following City Council's approval of a contract with the business on Oct. 5.

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3. Austin officials prepare to take over ABIA South Terminal operations in November

After settling to acquire the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport from its operator for $88 million, Austin officials will transition to operating the terminal in November.

As part of this transition, officials will consider taking over a contract implemented by LoneStar Airport Holdings—the company operating the terminal—to continue daily management of the terminal's operations for two years ahead of its demolition.

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4. Hundreds of affordable rental units coming to East Austin

A $92 million multifamily development called Seabrook Square will bring over 250 affordable units to East Austin by 2026.

Per a news release from the Austin Housing Department, the project will be completed in two phases: Seabrook Square I and Seabrook Square II. Construction on the first phase is set to begin this month, and the second phase will begin in 2024.

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5. Austin officials appropriate $22.87M grant for safety upgrades across town

More than 60 intersections, crosswalks and traffic signals are slated for safety improvements as Austin City Council earmarked a $22.87 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and $1.5 million from its fiscal year 2022-23 budget Sept. 14.

Austin received the federal award in February through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which targets high-crash sites in cities and counties. The Sept. 14 vote marked the city’s first move to implement the funding for projects around the city.

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