City of New Braunfels submits application for grant funding to support Comal River improvements

The New Braunfels City Council on Oct. 25 approved the submission of an application for $1.5 million in grant funding that would be used for improvements on the Comal River.

The grant is part of the American Rescue Plan Act Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation funding opportunity offered by the Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

City staff submitted the application in hopes of receiving funding that would be used to construct an underwater landing and an inclined elevator at the last tuber’s exit on the Comal River.

The landing would provide people with a place to stand as they wait to ascend the stairs from the river to East Lincoln Street.

City documents show the total cost of the landing is estimated to be $1.5 million, though the cost could change as the project is currently in the design phase.

If awarded, the EDA will provide $1.05 million of the total cost, and the city will pay $450,000. The grant-funded portion of the project would need to be completed by Sept. 30, 2027.