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Hewitt council backs application for TxDOT pedestrian grant to connect Park Hill, Castleman Creek schools
Summary
The council approved Resolution No. 2025-04 supporting an application to TxDOT’s Transportation Alternatives set-aside program for a sidewalk project that would connect Park Hill Elementary and Castleman Creek Elementary; estimated construction cost is about $2.2 million with a local match of $445,000.
The Hewitt City Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution No. 2025-04, a statement of support for the city’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives (TA) set-aside program for a sidewalk project linking Park Hill Elementary School and Castleman Creek Elementary School.
Assistant city staff explained the TA program provides funding for pedestrian and bicycle facilities and requires a local match of 20 percent. The staff presentation said the current estimated construction cost for the identified project is a little over $2,200,000, which would require a local match of roughly $445,000. City engineer Miles Whitney prepared the cost figures and project schematic included with the council packet.
The project aims to improve pedestrian connectivity in parts of Hewitt that currently lack sidewalks, including a proposed connection from Patriot Court to Hewitt City Hall and routes used by students walking to Park Hill. Staff noted the project is listed in the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and that grant submittal materials — including the council resolution, letters of support and MPO documentation — are due to TxDOT by June 20. Staff said the city could expect notification of awards in October and, if funded, construction would likely fall in the next fiscal year.
Councilmembers expressed broad support for pedestrian improvements and acknowledged sidewalk projects’ rising costs; Councilmember Potter moved approval of Resolution No. 2025-04, Councilmember Dr. Bruce seconded, and the motion passed 5-0.
