Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) for funding related to the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) (Executive Director of Developmental Services)
Background:
Approval of this item will authorize the submission of three separate project applications to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) for the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Call for Projects.
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) program, administered through H-GAC, provides Category 9 federal funding dedicated to the development of active transportation infrastructure. This program supports various project phases, including environmental clearance, preliminary design, engineering, and construction. Eligible projects must demonstrate a primary benefit to the general public by contributing to a safe, contiguous, and accessible walking or bicycling network that integrates effectively into the regional system.
City Staff has identified three priority active transportation projects and is requesting them as three separate applications for the 2025 TASA grant cycle as listed below:
1. Smith Lane Sidewalk (CIP 2027-2031 - RE1901A): Construction of a proposed 2,171-foot sidewalk between Webster St and Abilene St. The City will handle the design phase internally; therefore, grant funding is being requested exclusively for the construction phase of this project. The estimated total project cost is $389,375
2. FM 2094 Sidewalk (CIP 2027-2031 - PK2607): Design and construction of 2,700 linear feet of 8-foot sidewalk on FM 2094/Marina Bay between Glen Cove Blvd and Lawrence Rd. Grant funding is being requested for both the design and construction phases. The estimated total project cost is $1,024,275. Please note that this cost does not include land acquisition.
3. Texas Avenue & Webster Street Sidewalk & Bridge (CIP 2027-2031 - Parks Program Priority 13): Design and construction of 4,957 linear feet of 6-foot sidewalk on Texas Avenue and Webster Street, including a new pedestrian bridge on Webster Street. Grant funding is requested for both the design and construction phases. The estimated total project cost is $1,900,000. Please note that this cost does not include land acquisition.
The application process for these funds involves a multi-phase submission schedule, beginning with an initial Statement of Project Interest (December 2025), followed by a Phase II detailed application questionnaire (April 2026), and concluding with a Phase III readiness assessment upon invitation from H-GAC in early August 2026.
Under the TASA program guidelines, awarded funds are distributed on a cost-reimbursement basis, necessitating that the City provide an initial outlay for project expenses. Furthermore, the City is required to contribute a 20% local match of the total project cost for each application and must submit formal local match funding commitment letters as part of the application packages.
Approval of this item ensures the City meets the necessary administrative requirements to compete for these federal funds. If awarded, City Staff will evaluate the existing CIP allocations to potentially bring the FM 2094 and Texas Avenue/Webster Street projects forward to align with grant timelines.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Exhibit A - Aerial of Sidewalk Location for Smith Lane
3. Exhibit B - Aerial of Sidewalk Location for FM 2094
4. Exhibit C - Aerial of Sidewalk Location Texas Avenue & Webster Street
5. Exhibit D - Grant Pre-Approval Forms and CIP Sheets
FUNDING
{X} Funds are available from FM 2094 Sidewalk (CIP PK2607): If awarded, funding from CIP Miscellaneous Cash (fund 5015) and 4B funds will be evaluated to see if each can support the project being brought forward.Smith Lane Sidewalk (CIP RE1901A): Construction for project RE1901A is budgeted in the CIP in FY2027 with Reinvestment (fund 5017) dollars. Texas Avenue & Webster Street Sidewalk & Bridge: If awarded, 4B funding will be evaluated to see if it can support the project being brought forward.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor # 1 - Develop & Maintain our Infrastructure And Factor# 2- Financially Sustainable