City of Austin

With a final allocation this week, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) board approved $22 million of state and federal grants for the City of Austin to begin or sustain multi-modal transportation initiatives.

The funding originates from more than $100 million in state and federal sources, for projects in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, and in some cases requires a 20 percent minimum local matching contribution from local governments.

Federal grant portions for City of Austin-sponsored projects, passed on Monday, December 12, 2011, are:

• $1.2 million for North Lamar sidewalks
• $480,000 for N. Braker Lane design and engineering
• $2.7 million for Sabine St. pedestrian space
• $1.5 million for the Bike Share/Bike safety program
• $4 million for Urban Rail engineering studies
• $2 million for Phase 1 of the MoPac bicycle & pedestrian bridge

In November, the board approved federal and state funding for three other City of Austin-sponsored projects:

• $2.8 million for Advanced Traffic Management System implementation
• $4.9 million for mobility improvements on MoPac at Barton Creek
• $2.3 million for Dessau Road and Parmer Lane intersection improvement

Austin Transportation Assistant Director Gordon Derr said several additional steps must take place before the federal money is released, but the board approval is an important first step.

“The allocations are an excellent outcome for the citizens of Austin and the region,” Derr said.

The CAMPO board is populated with elected officials and infrastructure providers from the five county Austin region. CAMPO is a federally mandated regional policy board that allocates federal funding for transportation.

North Lamar Sidewalks Build components of ADA compliant sidewalks on North Lamar Blvd from US 183 to ParmerBraker Lane (North) Design and Engineering Preliminary engineering and design for construction of Braker Lane Extension from Dessau Road to Harris Branch ParkwaySabine Street Promenade Construction of sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian amenities to implement a Sabine Street Promenade between 4th and 7th streetAustin Bike Share / Bike Safety Program First phase of bike share system paired with bicycle safety enforcement program.Austin Urban Rail Studies Planning and engineering work supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, alternatives analysis and development of preliminary engineering to 40-50% design.Mopac Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, Phase I Construct Phase I of Mopac Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge over Loop 360Austin Advanced Traffic Management System Implement Traffic Management Center including deployment of dynamic message signs and Intelligent Transportation System devicesMobility Improvements to MoPac at Barton Creek Improvements include the conversion of an existing shoulder to a southbound auxiliary lane. Due to the use of this shoulder as a high use bicycle route, the grant will also fund the construction of a separated bicycle and pedestrian bridge and associated approaches.Dessau Intersection Improvements Preliminary engineering, utility relocation, alignment analysis, right of way assessment, final construction engineering, and construction of traffic operations improvements at the intersection of FM 734 (Parmer Lane) / Dessau Rd.