What’s happening?
At a Jan. 7 meeting, Sugar Land City Council approved submitting an application for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity discretionary grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for its proposed autonomous gondola-like elevated cable and rail system.
The rail project was announced in October as the feasibility study was underway by Swyft Cities, a company born from a Google project, Community Impact reported.
A closer look
The project planning, design and engineering is expected to cost $12 million, according to agenda documents. The city could receive $9.6 million in funding with a 20% local match by the city at $2.4 million.
According to agenda documents, the city would use funding for project planning including:
- Environmental analysis
- Equity analysis
- Community engagement
- Feasibility studies
- Benefit-cost analysis
- Other pre-construction activities
Looking ahead
Applications must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation by Jan. 30, and award announcements will be made no later than June 28, according to agenda documents.
