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Graham council approves application for TxDOT transportation grants for Elm Street sidewalks and Salt Creek trail
Summary
Council voted 4–1 to submit Part 1 applications to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for sidewalk work on Elm Street and a pedestrian trail along Salt Creek. Staff estimated combined construction costs around $1.9 million and noted a typical 20% local match unless TxDOT sponsors the projects.
The Graham City Council voted 4–1 to direct staff to submit initial applications to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for two pedestrian projects: a continuous sidewalk along Elm Street and a multiuse trail paralleling Salt Creek with a trailhead near the archery barn and a connection to Shawnee Trail Park.
City staff described the Part 1 application as a statement of project intent; TxDOT will convene local scoring and may invite selected projects to a Part 2 application that includes refined cost estimates and sponsorship decisions. Staff estimated combined construction costs for both projects at approximately $1.9 million and said the program typically requires a 20% local match unless TxDOT provides sponsorship.
Why it matters: If selected and sponsored, the projects could fill gaps in the city’s pedestrian network and create a trail connection to existing parks. Council approval allows staff to pursue the application and seek TxDOT sponsorship during the Part 2 process.
What staff said: City staff recommended submitting both projects at Part 1 to maximize chances of selection. Staff cautioned that TxDOT frequently will not sponsor two projects from the same locality in the same cycle, so sponsorship and full funding are not guaranteed. If both were approved but only one could be sponsored, staff said they would return to council to decide whether to proceed with the non‑sponsored project and its required local match.
Council debate and vote: Discussion focused on funding trade-offs and priorities. One councilmember expressed concern about committing potential local match dollars given other capital needs (water, sewer, lake projects). Staff clarified that a decision to apply at Part 1 requires no city match; the match question arises only if projects move to Part 2 and TxDOT declines sponsorship. After discussion, the motion to submit both Part 1 applications carried on a 4–1 vote (motion by Shanna; second by Jeff).
Next steps: Staff will submit the Part 1 applications and return to council with Part 2 results and TxDOT sponsorship recommendations. Any project that advances to Part 2 and requires a local match will require further council approval and budget action.
