Board okays amendment to include TxDOT TASA funding and RFQ step for downtown sidewalk project

The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 board approved a staff request to prepare an amendment to the project development agreement so the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) program can be used for the Downtown Safe Sidewalks improvement project and directed staff to begin a request for qualifications for professional survey and engineering design services.

Staff emphasized that the TASA award will operate as a reimbursement program: the city must outlay costs and submit for reimbursement under the advanced funding agreement (AFA) terms with TxDOT. The board asked staff to provide ongoing reporting on draws and reimbursements so board members can track city outlays versus TxDOT reimbursements.

The item’s draft amendment mirrors a prior AFA (San Agustin project language), assigns city procurement and project-management responsibilities to the city, clarifies maintenance responsibilities for delivered public improvements, and updates project identifiers and insurance references. Staff and legal counsel indicated minor revisions were expected before final execution.

Why it matters

Including the TASA AFA enables state reimbursement for eligible sidewalk and pedestrian improvements downtown. Because TASA operates on a reimbursement basis, the city will need to manage cash flow and contract oversight; the board asked for monthly reporting on expenditures and reimbursements.

Next steps

The board asked the city manager to finalize the amendment and bring the executed agreement back to the board; staff will issue an RFQ for survey and design services in parallel. Staff will track cost draws against reimbursement and provide updates to the board.