COUNCIL DISTRICT IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: A City staff briefing on the Connect SA comprehensive transportation plan.
SUMMARY:
City staff will provide a briefing regarding ConnectSA comprehensive transportation plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On April 10, 2018, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff announced the creation of ConnectSA, a nonprofit group established to build public awareness and support for a modern mass transit and transportation system in the San Antonio region. At the direction of the Mayor and Judge, a draft framework was to be prepared as the starting point for robust community input and should include short-term, mid-term, and long-term transportation strategies and initiatives as well as funding options. The framework document was released by ConnectSA in December 2018 and Tri-Chair Member Henry Cisneros provided a briefing to City Council “B” Session in February 2019.
The ConnectSA framework builds upon recent transportation planning initiatives such as the City’s SA Tomorrow Multimodal Transportation Plan and VIA Metropolitan Transit’s (VIA) Vision 2040 Plan, as well as long range plans from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The framework presents a clear set of recommended goals and funding strategies. While significant infrastructure improvements are at the core of the framework, ConnectSA is also forward thinking and realizes using innovative technology is a key component of the transportation future. The focus of ConnectSA is clear; focus on moving people in a safe and efficient manner, whether by personal vehicle, public transit, walking, or biking. A modern mass transit system is essential and ConnectSA proposes the implementation of an Advanced Rapid Transit network, using high capacity buses along dedicated transit corridors.
On January 29, 2020 at a “B” Session, Tri-Chair Member Henry Cisneros provided a briefing to City Council. Tri-Chair Cisneros outlined the ConnectSA plan for the next five years. This initial investment is projected to cost $1.36 billion and includes a better bus system, advanced rapid transit, smart transit and mobility on demand, and other infrastructure projects including streets, sidewalks, linear trails, and micromobility lanes. Highway projects are also included in the plan funded by the Texas Department of Transportation at an estimated investment of $3.6 billion. Also, at this “B” Session the results of community meetings and outreach events were presented.
Funding strategies presented at the January 29 “B” Session include a) Redirect existing sales tax within San Antonio when the Edwards Aquifer and Linear Creek Tax expires (1/8 cent dedicated in 2011), b) Redirect the City’s share of the Advanced Transportation District (1/16 cent dedicated in 2004), c) Future City of San Antonio general obligation bonds, d) County funding, and e) Federal grants.
ISSUE:
City staff will be providing an informational briefing on the City’s analysis of ConnectSA proposed funding strategies.
ALTERNATIVES:
This briefing is for informational purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This briefing is for informational purposes only.
RECOMMENDATION:
This briefing is for informational purposes only.