Rethink35, the organization fighting the Interstate 35 Capital Express Project slated to begin next year, is organizing what it hopes to be the largest anti-highway protest in Texas history. The rally is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Nov. 5 at the Sanchez Elementary, which is located at 73 San Marcos Street. According to a Wednesday […]
Nina Hernandez
Posted inTransit
Report suggests Austin reach net-zero climate goals via housing density and increased transit
The Environmental Commission heard a presentation last week on a research paper that discusses how Austin can reach its net-zero carbon emission goals via increased housing density. The report is the result of nonprofit Transit Forward, which is dedicated to educating and engaging the public regarding transit projects, particularly Project Connect. One of the nonprofit’s […]
Posted inTransportation
Airport unveils first-ever Environmental, Social and Governance Report
The Airport Advisory Commission heard a briefing on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s first-ever Environmental, Social and Governance Report at its regular meeting Sept. 13. The report, which was published in May, is a review of the organization’s impact and performance with regard to environmental impacts, social responsibility and corporate governance. The report is an important […]
Posted inParks
New state law limits Austin’s Parkland Dedication Ordinance
The city’s Parks and Recreation Board on Monday learned about the impacts of Texas House Bill 1526 on Austin’s existing Parkland Dedication Ordinance and the future of Austin’s park system. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance, first established in 1985, orders new developments to provide a certain amount of public parkland in the development or pay a […]
Posted inTransit
Capital Metro Board of Directors approves Fiscal Year 2024 budget
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously Monday to approve the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating and Capital Budget, as well as its Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The approved budget is $871,033,690 in operating and capital expenses. It includes $427.5 million in operating expenses, $12 million for commitments under interlocal agreements for mobility […]
Posted inTransit
Cap Metro board approves contract with new third-party bus service provider
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors voted Monday to approve a resolution authorizing a contract with a new third-party bus operator, despite concerns from union leadership. A motion to approve the item passed the board unanimously. President & CEO Dottie Watkins can now finalize and execute a contract with Keolis Transit Services, LLC […]
Posted inWater
Austin joins fight against proposed private dam on South Llano River
Austin is joining the fight against a proposed private dam on the South Llano River that experts say could have an impact on the city’s water supply. City Council voted last week to approve a resolution directing the city manager to seek a contested case hearing regarding an application by Waterstone Creek LLC to the […]
Posted inTransportation
CAMPO board authorizes consultant to assist in drafting 2050 Regional Transportation Plan
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board voted on Monday to authorize negotiations on an assistance contract for the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan. The RTP is the long-range planning document that outlines the goals, strategies, and objectives of the Transportation Policy Board, and includes transportation projects planned over the next two decades. Those […]
Posted inTransit
Cap Metro board holds public hearing on proposed FY 2024 budget
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Wednesday held a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating and Capital Budget. Kevin Conlan, deputy chief financial officer, presented an overview of the $871 million budget proposal to the board members. Capital Metro staff has completed its public engagement portion of the budget […]
Posted inTransportation
Austin elected officials, community groups coalesce in opposition to I-35 expansion
At a town hall event last week, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar became the latest community leader to speak out against the Interstate 35 Capital Express project that is due to break ground next year. “Wider highways aren’t actually a traffic solution,” Casar said at his Aug. 31 event. “We are going to endure multiple years […]
Posted inTransportation
Austin grapples with arrival of autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are in Austin. According to a Sept. 1 memo from the Transportation and Public Works Department, the presence of autonomous vehicles has become an increasingly common sight over the past few months. “Currently, there are approximately 125 fully electric AVs in operation and we anticipate additional vehicles in the near future,” wrote interim […]
Posted inTransit
Capital Metro board authorizes contract for long-awaited pedestrian crossing at I-35 and Fourth Street
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors this week paved the way for construction of a pedestrian crossing at Interstate 35 and Fourth Street. The resolution, which passed on the consent agenda at the board’s Aug. 28 meeting, authorizes the agency to execute a contract with Rio Grande Pacific Technology Inc. for $358,038. Funding […]