EDC posts RFQ for International Drive engineering; TxDOT payment timeline, partner contributions remain unresolved

The Economic Development Corporation received an update Aug. 25 on the International Drive project and the next steps for engineering and funding. Staff said the request for qualifications for engineering services has been posted and that the bid opening is scheduled for Sept. 3; the board was told the selected engineer would begin design work, which will generate costs the EDC must budget for.

Project timeline and costs: Staff said the payment the city will owe to TxDOT is not expected until 2027, but engineering design costs could be incurred sooner and should be accounted for in the EDC’s next budget. Board members requested a clearer schedule of anticipated engineering fees and total project obligations, including partner contributions and how those contributions will be invoiced and reimbursed.

Partner commitments: Staff reported a written offer from a private partner to contribute $300,000 in support of the project, to be paid in three $100,000 installments. Staff said that letter was hand‑delivered to the city secretary and that legal negotiation of a formal agreement has not yet begun. Board members directed staff to produce a schedule that shows the EDC’s projected out‑of‑pocket expenditures, the partner’s proposed payments, and the anticipated reimbursement steps from the state so the board can track cash flow and compliance.

Why it matters: The project involves design and construction phases that will generate engineering costs before major reimbursements, and the board emphasized the need to monitor obligations, contracts and the timing of partner payments to avoid surprises in cash flow.

Ending: Staff said they will return with more detailed cost estimates and a proposed contract or memorandum of understanding to spell out payment timing and responsibilities.