This comes after the city submitted a grant application in 2021 to TxDOT for two sidewalk projects. Despite scoring well, Assistant City Administrator Dave McCorquodale said the projects were not awarded grant funding.
The primary feedback from TxDOT, which was outlined in a May 23 agenda packet, was the projects were small in scope and did not serve enough community members. Another takeaway, according to the packet, was the projects were not part of a planning document adopted by the city.
What you need to know
- An active transportation mobility plan is the document that meets the city's current needs to pursue mobility grants for nonroadway projects.
- The mobility plan will serve as a guide for staff and council to identify projects and budgets if the city decides to self-fund high-priority projects.
- Without an adopted plan, the city will be at a disadvantage, reducing the chance of receiving future funding.
- TxDOT offers a grant program for nonroadway mobility projects every two years.
- Projects can either be physical improvements, such as sidewalks or trails, or planning documents that serve as a guide for future physical projects.
- Applications are due to TxDOT by June 5.
- Projects are awarded in late September or early October.
- The 2023 call for projects received $1.7 billion in funding requests, according to the city's agenda packet. However, federal funds are anticipated to only reach $250 million to award grants.
- Therefore, 85% of this year's grant applications will not get funded.
- Grants are 80% federally funded and 20% local match.
- The city's estimated budget for a mobility plan is $120,000, according to the agenda packet.
- The local match is $24,000, which is planned for next year's budget.
