The Highland Village City Council on Jan. 14 authorized a $136,900 professional services agreement with Half Associates Inc. to perform an FM 407 trail alignment assessment and develop grant funding strategies.

City staff said the project responds to priorities identified in the city's 2023 comprehensive plan, which listed trails and mobility along the FM 407 corridor as a high priority. The consultant's scope includes alignment analysis, opinions of probable cost for alternatives, and public outreach including presentations to the Highland Village Community Development Corporation (4B), the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and city council.

Why it matters: The study is intended to position the city for competitive grant funding (staff cited TxDOT's Transportation Alternatives Program as a likely source, noting previous awards in the region). Staff noted that TRIP funds and 4B board resources could serve as local match dollars. The consultant will concentrate on connections from FM 2499 east to Highland Village Road and will consider linkages to regional trails (Lewisville and Flower Mound) if doing so strengthens grant eligibility.

Council members asked about engagement format and reimbursement. Staff said the consultant will facilitate community workshops and the project team expects to complete deliverables in about 180 days after contract execution. Staff also said grant programs can reimburse eligible project costs in some cases, but reimbursement depends on each grant's terms and provisions. The council approved Resolution 2025-3168 authorizing the agreement; the motion carried 7-0.

Next steps: Half Associates will begin public outreach and alignment analysis; staff will return with grant application recommendations and, if applicable, requests for matching funds from TRIP or 4B resources.