Res 1994-139 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

IDI I. TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM NOMINATION Page 6 of 10 FORM PART III PROJECT BENEFITS, llvfPACTS, AND PUBLIC SUPPORT. A. PROJECT USE AND BENEFITS. Describe belmv the benefits of the proposed project. Description should include expected use of any facilities involved and should compare current use yvith expected use and projected demand for use of the those facilities. . Currently, the newest trail sections, City Park, Purgatory Creek and the loop south of Cheatam!Houston Street are suitable for both hikers and bikers. Older sections from City Park past the historic Old Fish Hatchery are in disrepair. Two bridges in this section need replacing, existing steps must be removed and the grade adjusted to accommodate wheeled passage. These improvements, the addition of new connective trail segments, plus one additional bridge will allow for increased hike/bike traffic. In addition, greater wheelchair accessibility will be achieved. Lighting, walkway and other streetscape ehnancements for the square and connecting links to parks and SWTSU will provide safer use and access for pedestrians. Three multicultural low/moderate income neighborhoods adjoin the River parkland Trail system. The central and unifying nature of the trail network means that adults, children and students from these neighbor hoods, the university and visitors will make extensive use of it to move about and through the city to get to a variety of commercial, educational and recreational destinations.. San Marcos will benefit economically through increased tourism, the fastest gro\~ing segment of the local economy. Environmental and ecological benefits include protection and preservation of the river corridor through public education experiences, exhibits and demonstrations originating at the Interpretive Center. There is increased social benefit from enhanced accessibility to recreational opportunity for local residents and tourists. This trail network will connect with other existing or planned hike & bike trails: Southwest Texas State University's existing and planned trails through Sewell Park and the adjoining campus, the planned connector with the Springtown area and the planned "Mercado" to be located south of the "Main Street" area. The proposed enhancments will connect parkland, SWTSU, the new public library, the soon to be built Communtiy Activity Center, City Hall, and the historic Hays County Courthouse Square(Courthouse restoration was previously designated ISTEA project). Completion of this project will mean the creation of an alternative transportation network Within the city. B. COMMUNITY INVOLVElvfENT. Provide evidence below of community involvement and public participation ill project development. Include a description of any opportunities for public participation in the process of selecting candidate projects. Voters have passed two recent bond issues directly linked to this proposal. A $5.3 Million bond issue for a new Community Activity Center near the library included dedicated funds for a cònnecting trail (a portion of the local match monies). The courthouse restoration bond issue ($ 1.8 Million) which with the previously granted ISTEA funds will provide complementary work square. Additional evidence of community support was evidenced at recent 60+ member Citizen Advisory Committee meetings where there was universal support for hike & bike trails, river preservation and enhanced linkage of downtown with the river corridor. Letters of support for this project from various individuals, organizations, and community leaders are included in the application and additional letters of support can be provided upon request. 6