Rail to the Airport

[Max Lars]

Colleagues,

I wanted to share some news from today’s Watson Wire. Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) will begin planning a possible extension of Austin light rail to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

For me, ATP needed to meet some milestones before it took any big next steps. This year, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued its Record of Decision, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process was complete, the major design and construction contracts are signed, and a financial stewardship protocol is being followed.

With those items completed, ATP will soon start the NEPA process for the extension. It would run about 3 miles, mostly elevated, with a station at AUS. FTA has agreed to a streamlined process. Over the next nine to twelve months, the planning work will focus on cost analysis and funding strategies. I’ve challenged ATP to pursue the extension within the budget voters already approved, with no new taxpayer dollars.

With Journey With AUS underway, we have a chance to plan the airport and the rail connection together instead of trying to connect them after the fact. A rail connection would give Austinites another reliable way to catch a flight and give visitors a direct way into the heart of our city.

You can read the full Watson Wire here: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 093649.pdf

I look forward to working with each of you on this.

Thanks,

Kirk
On Behalf of Mayor Watson