Title
Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) regarding use of the MOKAN corridor for improved connectively within the community and the promotion of economic development for the region while still maintain the opportunity to provide regional use of the corridor, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the same.
Summary
The MOKAN corridor, formerly a railroad corridor connecting Georgetown to Austin, has been envisioned to support a variety of regional transportation needs. Within Pflugerville, MOKAN exists from SH45 just west of Heatherwilde and extends southward to until it turns into Dessau just north of Wells Branch Parkway. MOKAN is primarily vacant with a few exceptions where it is crossed by various roads like New Meister, Pflugerville Parkway and Pecan or where trail exists within the corridor, such as the area along the east side of Railroad Avenue.
The MOKAN corridor is owned and controlled by TXDOT and therefore requires their approval in order to place improvements within the corridor. In accordance with the City's adopted Transportation Master Plan (TMP), Main Street and Arterial A (aka Kinney Fort Boulevard) are proposed for extension within the corridor. Kinney Fort Boulevard is proposed to be extended south of SH45 within a portion of the MOKAN Corridor from SH45 to Meister Lane. This will allow for increased connectivity to SH45 for residents and employers in the northwest area of the City. Main Street currently exists in Downtown Pflugerville from 4th Street to Railroad Avenue. Per the TMP, Main Street is proposed to be extended from Railroad to Old Austin Hutto Road, allowing for improved connectivity within the Pecan/685 area of the community. Main Street is proposed to cross the MOKAN corridor approximately 150 feet east of Railroad Avenue. Funding for preliminary engineering and right of way costs were part of the 2020 Bond.
In order to provide for improved connectivity in the community and plan for growth and development, considerations by TXDOT for placing improvements within the MOKAN corridor is vital. This MOU allows for the construction and use of the MOKAN corridor for both these roadways providing assurance to the City that projects that improve the transportation network can be furthered within this corridor.
Prior City Council Action
No prior City Council action related to this item.
Deadline for City Council Action
Request action to be take on August 23, 2022.
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure __ N/A X
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No __ N/A X
Amount: N/A
1295 Form Required? Yes __ No X
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required X Date Completed: August 8, 2022
Supporting documents attached:
Memorandum of Understanding
Recommended Action
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding as presented and authorize the City Manager to execute same.