Taylor council approves moving forward with two TxDOT grant applications for Crosstown Connector and FM 3349 path

Taylor City Council voted on Feb. 13, 2025 to move forward with preliminary applications to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Transportation Alternative set-aside program for two pedestrian-and-bicycle projects: the Crosstown Connector and a shared-use path on FM 3349. The motion passed 4-0; the motion maker and seconder were not specified on the record.

The council heard presentations from city staff explaining that the program is highly competitive and that each project would require a 20% local match if awarded. Jeff (city staff) summarized the schedule and financing: "it's a eightytwenty grama. With the city, you'll need to provide a 20% match" and that the preliminary application is due Feb. 21 with a full application due April 16. Staff said TxDOT has signaled it will award at most one project per municipality this funding cycle.

Leslie (city planner/engineer) described the Crosstown Connector as a multi-segment project that includes five-foot sidewalks on MLK, Dolan, Fifth and Old Thorndale and a 10-foot shared-use concrete path meeting TxDOT standards. She said part of the corridor is already under city-funded design and identified the project's combined construction, contingencies and associated fees at about $4.42 million, with a 20% match of $885,000. "This particular project, the construction cost is estimated at 2,500,000.0, but that doesn't really show the whole picture," Leslie said, noting engineering, contingency, grant administration and railroad coordination costs were included in the higher total.

For FM 3349, Leslie said the city proposes a 10-foot off-street shared-use path along the east side of FM 3349 within city limits, connecting Samsung Highway on the south to Mustang Creek on the north (just south of U.S. 79). Construction was estimated at $1.5 million and the total project cost at about $2.9 million, with a 20% match of $583,000. Leslie placed the FM 3349 path in the context of adjacent and planned connections, including Williamson County plans and TxDOT work on FM 973.

Council members asked for additional connectivity to nearby neighborhoods (First Avenue, Second Avenue and Royal/Bridal) and whether the preliminary application could be adjusted. Leslie said the scope could be changed between the preliminary and full application and staff could evaluate adding connections; she offered to return with feasibility and cost estimates on the requested links. Council discussion also covered how the city would provide the eventual match if awarded; staff recommended planning for the match to be financed in 2027'028, likely through a bond issuance.

Before the vote staff reiterated the competitive nature of the program. Jeff said, "There's $250,000,000 statewide. It's very competitive. I would almost call it hyper competitive." The council voted 4-0 to proceed with the preliminary applications.

Next steps: staff will file the preliminary applications by Feb. 21, prepare detailed applications for the April 16 deadline if the city advances, return to council with a formal resolution before April 16, and provide follow-up cost/connectivity information requested by council members.

Votes at a glance: Motion to move forward with the TxDOT preliminary applications; outcome: approved, vote tally reported as 4-0 (mover/second not specified on the record).