The Harlingen City Commission voted to award a $332,355 professional‑services contract to Shavey Consulting for design and environmental permitting for Phase 3 of the Arroyo Colorado hike‑and‑bike trail, a roughly 1.1‑mile segment from McKelvey Park to Hugh Ramsey Park. The contract covers planning, environmental permitting and right‑of‑way identification; commissioners emphasized the award is for planning work only.

Why it matters: the project is part of a multi‑phase trail system that would provide active‑transportation connections across the city. Planning and environmental work are necessary before design or property acquisition and construction.

During discussion, a commissioner strongly objected to the planning step, saying it could identify the need to acquire private property and urging the commission to “save the money” rather than spend it on planning that could lead to easements or right‑of‑way takings. Other commissioners and staff responded that the current vote authorized planning only and that the city had a grant in hand that would fund the work; staff said any future property acquisitions would be separate actions and require further approvals.

A city staffer noted the consultant will identify whether land acquisitions would be necessary and otherwise prepare the plans required for eventual construction. The motion to award the Shavey Consulting contract passed with a majority of the commission.

Ending: With the planning contract approved, staff will proceed with environmental permitting, right‑of‑way assessment and 30% design work; any required property acquisition would return to the commission for separate approval.