I-35 Revamp at Risk: Federal Funding Cuts Threaten Project
- The I-35 Cap and Stitch initiative at the center of Austin is under threat.
- The federal funds pledged to Austin might be disappearing because of budget reductions.
- The Austin City Council must make a decision regarding funding by May 22.
AUSTIN, Texas - Funding from the federal government for parks and bridges above an extended I-35 could be at risk.
TxDOT's initiative in downtown Austin enables the city to cover part of Interstate 35 with private real estate development. Nevertheless, anticipated reductions in federal funding might lead to a loss of financial support for Austin because of broader cutbacks in federal expenditures.
The I-35 Cap and Stitch project is at risk
What they're sayingThe House Transportation &Infrastructure Committee has been directed to reduce the use of federal funds.
Currently, the funds for the Neighborhood Access & Equity grant program are at risk.
This encompasses the $105 million granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation to the section of the I-35 Cap and Stitch involving Cesar Chavez Drive and 4th Street.
As stated by the City of Austin, the grant has been subjected to a 90-day review by the federal government, and it remains uncertain whether the funding will be approved.
"The funds were intended to tackle solely the front-line requirements of those residing close to major roads. At present, these resources have been granted by our national administration; thus, retracting them would simply be seen as an unfulfilled commitment," states Tom Wald, Executive Director of the Redline Parkway Initiative.
Tom Wald supports the Fund the Caps Coalition, advocating for the implementation of the Caps and Stitches project across I-35. Additionally, he serves as the executive director of the Redline Parkway Initiative.
"The objective is to back the trail exceeding 32 miles that runs alongside the Capital Metro red line from downtown Austin all the way to Leander. Given that the I-35 corridor intersects our route two times, the I-35 initiative is also crucial for us. Most members of your audience likely recognize how the I-35 project is integrated into this plan, often referred with capitalization, and ensuring its completion is vital," explains Wald.
The Cap and Stitch initiative aims to develop public areas above the highway. The proposal includes constructing a minimum of five caps over the freeway extending from Cesar Chavez all the way to the Cherry Wood neighborhood. If federal funding isn’t secured, this project would require an investment of approximately $1.4 billion from the city.
"This is an extensive endeavor spanning three decades. The city will have numerous chances to seek federal financing in the future. Thus, losing this particular funding now is regrettable. However, there will be alternative opportunities for the municipality to secure comparable financial support," according to Wald.
What's nextThe Austin City Council must make a decision regarding the funding for the road improvements by May 22.
The committee’s proposal will join other legislation aimed at reducing federal expenditures and is set to move forward to the House floor in May.
Details gathered from interviews carried out by Tan Radford of FOX 7 Austin
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