Council approves $3M transfer to start Patsy Winn Boulevard extension; reimbursement not guaranteed

The City Council on Aug. 4 approved, on third reading, an amendment to the FY2025–26 budget to transfer up to $3,000,000 from the international-bridge system fund to the general fund to start construction of the Patsy Winn Boulevard extension.

An agency official advising the council said the city’s plan relies on a mix of funding: an application to the Texas State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) loan program and an existing Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant. The official cautioned that the SIB loan application is still under review and "it's not guaranteed," and staff described several remaining procedural steps, including a Federal Highway Administration functional-classification approval and placement on the state's STIP (Statewide Transportation Improvement Program).

Council members pressed staff on risk and contingencies. One council member asked, "So it's not a guaranteed loan, right?" and was told the administration could not promise final approval but believes there is a high likelihood. Staff said the city had not yet drawn on the $3 million and that early invoices and design work are being submitted for possible reimbursement through the EDA process while the SIB application advances.

Council voted 4–0 with one abstention to pass the ordinance authorizing the transfer. The measure notes that any reimbursable funding would be applied when approved and received; otherwise the city would have the obligation to fund required portions of the project under existing agreements with the Wynne family related to right-of-way and sports-complex conditions.

Next steps: the city will continue processing the SIB application, finalize 100% plans and environmental clearance for the construction package, and invoice grantors as work is completed to seek reimbursement.