Austin ballot measure to address transit-rail funding

The Austin City Council last week approved a ballot measure that calls for funding portions of the 2014 Strategic Mobility Plan, including the issuance of $600 million in bonds and notes for a fixed transit-rail system for the Texas city.

The measure, to go before voters on Nov. 4, would allow for the bond issue under the following conditions: the city obtains a grant or match funding for the cost of the rail system, and provides $400 million to pay for roadway improvements, Austin officials said in a press release.

The proposed rail system would be operated by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority and would serve the East Riverside Corridor, downtown Austin, State Capitol complex, a medical school complex, the University of Texas, Hancock Center, Austin Community College Highland campus and surrounding neighborhoods.

The proposed roadway improvements, which the City Council determined to be transportation projects of regional significance, are designed to relieve congestion, enhance safety and mobility and manage traffic in various corridors, Austin officials said.