Bryan City Council explores $36 million grant opportunity for South College Avenue revitalization

KBTX
By Donnie Tuggle
Published: Jan. 9, 2024 at 9:59 PM GMT-7

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) -The Bryan City Council discussed plans to spruce up South College Avenue, connecting College Station, Midtown and Downtown Bryan, in a special workshop Tuesday. The proposed $36 million project aims to boost safety, connectivity and economic vitality.

The opportunity arose from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE Grant program, offering $1.5 billion in funding. The project includes potential medians, sidewalks and a shared-use path along South College Avenue, promoting safer travel.

According to council documents, city staff analyzed the grant eligibility and found the project competitive for federal funding. Despite the usual 20 percent local funding requirement, the project’s location might secure full federal funding. The City plans to submit the grant application by Feb. 28, 2024.

The South College Avenue project aligns with the 2020 Midtown Area Plan, addressing safety, connectivity and economic benefits.

City engineer Paul Kaspar gave a presentation on the various options available on the portions of South College Avenue that are already under construction as they work to continue the project toward Main Street in Downtown Bryan.

Citizens have concerns about potential burdens, especially with additional medians, and city leaders are weighing options.

“As we watched this progress we have gotten comments from the citizens of Bryan. I am not convinced the statistical safety improvements are worth the additional burden the citizens have to endure,” said Bryan City Councilman James Edge.

Council members also raised concerns about the width of the streets and the medians as it relates to first responders, especially fire trucks.

No vote was taken in the workshop however city council unanimously approved applying for the grant as they continue to fine-tune conceptual plans.

A copy of Tuesday’s presentation along with council documents can be found below.