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Harlingen commission votes to continue TASA-funded planning for Royal Colorado trail extension despite neighbors’ property concerns
Summary
Commissioners voted to continue a TASA-funded planning study for Phase 3 of the Royal (A–Rio) trail to resolve legal, floodway and property questions and protect awarded grant funds, while residents urged caution over trespass and ownership issues.
The Harlingen City Commission agreed to proceed with a Transportation Alternatives (TASA) planning grant for Phase 3 of the Royal Colorado (A–Rio) hike-and-bike trail after a lengthy public discussion about property rights and floodway jurisdiction.
What the vote covers: Staff said the grant is for planning and preliminary engineering only (not construction) and will evaluate route options, environmental/floodway constraints and whether licenses or easements from the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) or private owners will be needed. The consultant procurement history and an updated RFQ process were described; staff warned that declining to complete the planning study could cause de-obligation of roughly $17,656 (grant value as amended) and jeopardize future TASA funding for other city projects.
Resident concerns: Several residents who live near proposed alignments urged the commission to stop the planning study, saying they fear erosion, trespassing, loss of privacy and even potential use of eminent domain. Staff and commissioners said the planning study is expressly intended to test those concerns and identify mitigations (alignment adjustments, fencing, landscaping, license requirements) before any construction decision is made.
Legal and funding context: The consultant and city staff referenced recent federal and state legal changes affecting encampments and local enforcement, and noted that the planning grant requires adherence to Texas and federal procurement rules. Staff emphasized that proceeding with planning preserves regional TASA funds and the city’s competitive standing for future grant awards.
Next steps: Staff said the planning study will take up to 12 months and will produce an alignment recommendation, environmental/permitting analysis and a clear summary of property-ownership, IBWC license needs and mitigation strategies. Commissioners approved continuing the project; staff will return with the consultant contract and updated procurement compliance materials.
Ending: Commissioners split between protecting grant funding and responding to neighbors’ privacy concerns, but approved moving forward with the planning study to secure awarded funds and obtain technical answers before any construction commitment.
