The full story
According to a June 26 news release, the city was awarded $8 million as part of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant program from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
City officials said the project aims to make Culebra Road safer for drivers, pedestrians, transit riders and cyclists with upgrades such as protected sidewalks; dedicated bike facilities; trees; and improved transit facilities, crosswalks and intersections.
City representatives said the funds will be used on the project’s planning study, preliminary engineering, environmental analysis and final design.
The city’s public works department will manage the project in coordination with the transportation department. The cost for preconstruction work is estimated at $11 million.
The city is providing $3 million in local matching funds contained in a total $18 million Culebra Road project, which is part of the city’s 2022 voter-approved bond.
According to local officials more than 50 fatal auto crashes have occurred on this stretch of Culebra Road in the past 10 years.
The Culebra Road project was one of four Texas projects selected for RAISE grant funding.
What they’re saying
District 20 U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said he was honored to work with city officials to help make the case for Culebra Road to get funded by the RAISE grant.
“This $8 million investment from the Biden-Harris administration will kickstart a much-needed transformation to make Culebra Road safer for the thousands of people who rely on it every day,” Castro said in a statement.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg said San Antonio receiving RAISE grant money is good news for the fast-growing community.
"These funds will play an important role providing a safer transportation environment,” Nirenberg said in a statement.
