Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2025-071 supporting the City’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Call for Projects; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Public Works Department
BACKGROUND:
The east side of Farmers Branch along Inwood Road, from Alpha Road to Landmark Place, continues to change and grow as multifamily housing and business development reshape what has historically been a commercial corridor. To support this growth and meet the community’s evolving needs, a concrete multi-use path is proposed to provide safe, convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists. This path would connect directly to Addison’s expanding trail network and eventually link to the Addison DART station, improving regional mobility and promoting active transportation. The project has strong support from key stakeholders, including the Town of Addison and management of multi-family properties, who recognize the value it will bring in enhancing connectivity, livability, and overall quality of life in the area. Connecting these spaces aligns with the Strategic Plan to plan for, build, and maintain high-quality public assets and infrastructure and support the evolution of the arts, culture, entertainment, and recreation in Farmers Branch.
DISCUSSION:
This project has been a priority for the City for over a decade. It was first identified in the 2015 Trails Master Plan and is currently designated as a Planned Facility in the draft Active Transportation Plan. While funding challenges and competing priorities delayed its advancement, a new opportunity has emerged to bring the project to life, primarily through federal funding.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has initiated its 2025 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Call for Projects, offering approximately $250 million in federal funding for fiscal years 2027-2029. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, improve safety, and expand non-motorized transportation options across Texas.
TxDOT implemented a two-step application process for the 2025 TA Call for Projects. In February 2025, the City submitted a Preliminary Application for the TxDOT 2025 TA grant application program for a multi-use path along Inwood Road from Landmark Blvd to Alpha Road. This was step one of the application process. TxDOT officials reviewed this project and have notified City staff that the project has moved forward to the next round of review, the Detailed Application process. The City plans to submit a Detailed Application to TxDOT by the deadline of June 20, 2025. This will be step two of the application process. As part of the Detailed Application process, a resolution of support from the applicant's governing body is required as part of the application. If approved by the City Council, the resolution will be included in the Detailed Application packet submitted to TxDOT.
TA funds may be used for the development of preliminary engineering (plans, specifications, and estimates, and environmental documentation) and the construction of pedestrian and/or bicycle infrastructure. The TA funds require a local match, comprised of cash or Transportation Development Credits (TDCs), if eligible. The City of Farmers Branch would be responsible for all non-reimbursable costs and 100% of overruns, if any, for TA funds.
If approved by TxDOT, the City will be responsible for 100% of the design and construction costs for the proposed project. Based on the cost opinion provided in the application, the City is applying for a grant to reimburse 80% of the project's construction costs. During construction, the City would submit reimbursement requests for TxDOT to review, approve, and pay. The City would be reimbursed 80% of the funds used for the project's construction.
Estimated costs for this project are being finalized, but the Preliminary Application conservatively estimated construction costs of approximately $4.1 million. The City will be notified in October 2025 if funding is awarded. If awarded, the project would be slated for design in fiscal year 2025-2026, with bidding and construction commencing the following fiscal year. Design and environmental costs are not included in construction costs.
At the time of this report, staff members are currently working on the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget and intend to include design and environmental costs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$800,000 in fiscal year 2025-2026 for project design and environmental costs.
$830,000 in fiscal year 2026-2027 for the City’s portion of construction costs.
DISTRICT:
District 4
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2025-071 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2025-071, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2025-071
2. Preliminary Map