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ATP outlines Project CONNECT progress: airport extension preferred, outreach continues and RFIs set to begin
Summary
ATP staff said the airport extension is now the preferred Project CONNECT extension, described preliminary engineering and coordination with TxDOT, reported four public open houses with more than 600 attendees and announced a schedule for upcoming RFIs and an advisory-group application process.
The Austin Transit Partnership’s executive director said Jan. 29 that the agency has named an airport extension its preferred Project CONNECT light-rail extension and is preparing preliminary engineering work to "future-proof" construction while coordinating with Texas Department of Transportation projects on State Highways 183 and 71.
Greg Canale said the airport extension is “really now our preferred extension,” and that ATP will pursue preliminary engineering so future work can be integrated with road projects and avoid reworking new infrastructure. Canale said ATP will also work with TxDOT partners to align schedules and designs.
Canale summarized recent public engagement: ATP staff held four open houses to update the community on the draft environmental impact statement for Austin Light Rail and reported more than 600 community members attended those events. The formal comment period on the draft environmental impact statement remains open through March 11, 2025; Canale reminded the public that comments can be submitted on ATP’s public input site.
Staffing and procurement milestones
Canale said ATP will release a request for information (RFI) the week following the meeting for a large light-rail civil package, with procurement work for the operations and maintenance facility targeted for April 2025 and a light-rail vehicle procurement targeted for May 2025. He said a Feb. 26 industry event will focus on the light-rail civil package and that ATP expects additional industry engagement events as procurement advances.
Advisory group and community participation
Canale reminded the board that ATP has opened an application process for a seven-member Austin Light Rail advisory group, intended to provide community advice on planning and delivery; staff said it plans to bring appointment recommendations to the board at its March meeting. Board members and staff emphasized recruiting applicants with finance, engineering, community engagement and sustainability expertise.
Ending
Canale framed 2025 as a year focused on synchronized procurement, federal review and community engagement as ATP moves closer to construction. He noted the agency’s intention to balance industry outreach with community involvement while moving contracting and engineering work forward.
