City Council members have expressed interest in the idea of extending the life of a tax increment reinvestment zone that was set up to fund the Waller Creek chain of parks, an ongoing project that city government is betting will become a cultural and recreational gem that will spur further economic activity downtown. It is […]
Waller Creek Tunnel
The Waller Creek Tunnel is a major infrastructure project running through the heart of downtown Austin. Its construction will ultimately allow the removal of some properties in the region from the floodplain.
Posted inAustin
More funds needed to finish Waller project
City Council will be considering seven items on Thursday’s agenda with a combined financial impact of $7.5 million for completing the Waller Creek Project, which has been fraught with difficulties since the discovery that the intake tunnel had been designed and built in a way that obscured a view of the Capitol. During Tuesday’s work session, […]
Posted inAustin
Staff seeks more funding to finish Waller Tunnel
City management is asking City Council for the authority to issue $5.6 million in Certificates of Obligation in order to finish construction work for the main inlet facility of the Waller Creek Flood Control Project. But they are hoping to never have to use those funds. If all goes as the city hopes, it will […]
Posted inAustin, Development
Waller Creek Conservancy announces CEO, plans
New Waller Creek Conservancy CEO Peter Mullan said Wednesday that he plans to join the city in “pushing the envelope on what is possible” for the ambitious Waller Creek redevelopment project. At a news conference announcing his selection, Mullan addressed Mayor Steve Adler. “I’m excited to work closely with you and your colleagues, (City Manager) […]
Posted inDevelopment, Resources
Despite ruling, city expects no immediate change to drainage fee
A judge’s ruling rendering a portion of the city’s Drainage Fee invalid could put millions of dollars worth of critical flood control and watershed protection programs at risk. State District Judge Amy Clark Meachum ruled Friday that the flat $9.20 fee charged to almost all of Austin’s utility customers was unfair to people living in […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
City hires outside law firm to handle Capitol View Corridor violation
After a closed-door executive session, City Council voted unanimously Thursday to approve $1.8 million in legal fees for an outside law firm to protect the interests for a possible violation of the Capitol View Corridor. After some confusion and speculation over what the money was for, the City Manager’s Office issued a statement Thursday, […]