Project Connect staff tell Mobility Committee Austin Light Rail Phase 1 has NEPA clearance, contracts underway
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Summary
Austin Transit Partnership staff told the Mobility Committee that the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 final EIS and Record of Decision are complete, the project earned a 'medium-high' FTA rating and progressive design-build contracts have begun, with construction targeted to start in 2027.
Austin Transit Partnership officials updated the Austin City Council Mobility Committee on March 5 on progress toward building Austin Light Rail Phase 1, saying federal environmental review is complete, the project is competitive for federal New Starts funding, and early contracting work is under way ahead of construction expected in 2027.
"Austin Light Rail received a medium high rating," Jen Pine, Austin Transit Partnership, told the committee, describing the FTA's assessment as evidence the project is competitive for federal grant funds. Pine and colleagues said the project completed its final environmental impact statement in January and that a Record of Decision enables pre‑award activities such as property surveys, appraisals and utility relocations that are reimbursable under a future grant agreement.
Lindsay Wood, ATP's executive vice president over engineering and construction, said ATP awarded a progressive design‑build contract for the full 10‑mile alignment on Feb. 18 and has divided delivery into three major contracts: alignment, an operations and maintenance facility (anticipated award in the second quarter), and light rail vehicles (later this summer). Wood said the progressive design‑build approach brings contractors in early to help refine cost, schedule and constructability.
Wood said the team is preparing for preliminary construction scheduling and field investigations, including utility location and geotechnical surveys, so the contractor partners are ready for construction in 2027. Pine said the project expects about 29,000 daily trips on the initial 10‑mile alignment and at least 15 stations.
Committee members asked about federal leadership changes at the FTA and ongoing litigation over ATP's bond authority. Pine said career staff are in interim roles at the FTA and that ATP continues to press forward with grant and design milestones. On the bond litigation, ATP staff said a jurisdictional question is pending before the Texas Supreme Court and that the project is advancing without pause while the city and ATP pursue required approvals.
The presentation also covered community support programs: Pine said $300 million was identified for anti‑displacement investments tied to the Project Connect program and ATP is developing business support and public art outreach programs to help businesses during construction. Wood said ATP is coordinating construction activity with partner agencies and flagged the $25 billion plus of public infrastructure planned across multiple projects in the same period as a reason for careful scheduling and stakeholder coordination.
The committee did not take formal action on the briefing. ATP said it will return with contracting and permitting updates as milestones progress.