North Austin News

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the awarding of a $47.9 million grant to a coalition of Austin-area transportation organizations. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) aims to assist commuters in adapting to upcoming major construction projects that will temporarily disrupt travel in and around Austin, while promoting alternate commute options.

The City of Austin will lead the implementation as Central Texas prepares for over $20 billion in mobility infrastructure investment over the next decade. This includes projects spearheaded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA), Travis County, the City of Austin, and CapMetro. Partners in this grant-funded effort include TxDOT, Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), CapMetro, Capital Area Rural Transportation Service (CARTS), and Movability.

As TxDOT begins its I-35 Capital Express Central project and Austin implements Project Connect—comprising light rail and other connectivity improvements—construction is expected to cause significant traffic impacts over the next decade. This raises concerns about increased vehicle miles traveled and air pollution from single-occupant vehicles (SOVs).

The coalition plans to use the federal funds through a three-pronged approach aimed at mitigating these risks:

"The Austin region is on the brink of an exciting and positive new era of mobility with the infusion of billions of dollars into transportation projects," said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. "But transformational change will bring some disruption along the way. Working with our regional coalition of transportation agencies, we plan to use this grant to make our transition a little easier and more pleasant for our residents with timely traveler information while also promoting adoption of transit, carpooling, and active transportation, leading to long-lasting impacts on congestion and achieving our mobility and pollution reduction goals."

"This grant will help promote and provide cleaner ways for people to get around the Austin region," said Austin City Manager TC Broadnax. "Our residents and visitors will be able to make informed choices about how they want to travel. That aligns with the City’s goal to improve the quality of life for people who live and work here."

"TxDOT's Austin District is implementing technology tools to promote early and effective construction coordination between the agencies building these large projects while also ensuring that residents, businesses, and travelers receive the information they need to plan their trips," said Tucker Ferguson, P.E., TxDOT Austin District Engineer. "Through our partnership with the City of Austin and other regional transportation agencies, our goals are to enhance safety, improve regional mobility, and keep Central Texas moving through peak construction and beyond."

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