ATP will host series of public open houses, engage with community
AUSTIN, Texas—On Friday January 19, 2024, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published a Notice of Intent to work with Austin Transit Partnership on advancing Austin Light Rail. The Austin Light Rail Implementation Plan was adopted in June 2023. ATP is proceeding with required studies to support the federal process and secure federal funds. The Notice of Intent filed by the FTA on January 19, 2024 kicks off the formal 45-day public scoping process that will examine the proposed project’s station locations and design options.
“This next phase is critical in implementing this transformational project for Austin,” Jennifer Pyne, executive vice president of planning, community and federal programs with the Austin Transit Partnership, said. “Since its inception, Austin Light Rail has been informed by community input and now, Austinites will have the opportunity to provide their thoughts and insights into the design topics that they feel are most important.”
Information to be shared with the public during this period includes:
- A description of the purpose and need for Austin Light Rail
- Education on the environmental analysis process
- Maps and diagrams describing the proposed project (and design options within) that are being evaluated in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
“Input from the community is crucial to the success of the light rail implementation process,” Courtney Chavez, senior vice president of equity and community partnerships for ATP, said. “The feedback we gather from our open house events ensures that community values are reflected in Austin Light Rail.”
ATP will host in-person and virtual open house events to further inform the analysis that will be used to prepare the draft Environmental Impact Statement that will be released in the fall 2024.
Community events will be held the following days/times:
Thursday, Feb. 1
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
University of Texas: Texas Union Eastwoods Room
2308 Whitis Ave.
Saturday, Feb. 10
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Montopolis Rec Center
1200 Montopolis Drive
Monday, Feb. 12
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
League of Women Voters Cafetorium
3908 Avenue B
Thursday, Feb. 22
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Virtual Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 27
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
1800 S. Fifth St.
Thursday, Feb. 29
7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
St. David’s Episcopal Sumners Hall
301 E. Eighth St.
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Register to attend at www.atptx.org/events
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About Austin Transit Partnership
The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is the local government corporation responsible for implementing Project Connect and leading Austin Light Rail.
ATP is responsible for the day-to-day implementation, planning, financing, execution and oversight of Austin Light Rail.
In November 2020, Austin voters approved a referendum (“Prop A”) to provide a dedicated revenue stream to fund investments in Project Connect, a program of transit improvements, including Austin Light Rail. More information on the original Proposition can be found at https://www.austintexas.gov/2020PropA
