24-04-2025
‘One chance': Neighbor coalition pushes for city to fund its portion of Austin's I-35 Cap and Stitch
AUSTIN (KXAN)—A coalition of Austin area neighbors is making a final push to get the City of Austin to commit to funding some or all of the so-called 'caps' that would run over the interstate. It's a part of the I-35 Cap and Stich expansion project.
The city would need to pay for the caps, also known as green spaces, and pedestrian access over the road.
Now, a coalition comprised of neighborhood association leaders and nonprofits is spreading awareness to get more people to speak up ahead of a city vote at the end of May. That vote would determine whether the caps are included in the Texas Department of Transportation's I-35 expansion project.
'We have one chance,' Adam Sparks, Cherrywood Neighborhood grassroots organizer said.
Sparks created the FUND the CAPS website, breaking down TxDOT's project, and the city's responsibility to fund structural elements needed, in order for TxDOT to build the caps. 'We have a chance of getting 26 acres of public land in the center of Austin,' Sparks said. 'And it seemed like most Austinites did not know that the funding for caps was at risk.'The caps are in other cities, like Dallas, according to the city of Austin's vision 2024 vision plan.
In February 2025, the city said it's waiting to see whether any of its federal funding that would be used for the project is at risk due to the Trump Administration's nationwide cuts.
$105M federal grant for Austin's I-35 'cap and stitch' project on shaky ground
'The truth is that there are also other federal funding sources that the city is looking into those, those decisions take time, but the state right now is asking for a decision by the end of May,' Tom Wald, executive director at Red Line Parkway Initiative, a part of the neighbor coalition said. 'If we delay this decision, the next opportunity will be in the year 2100. We won't have this opportunity again for 70 years. This council is pretty much never faced with that sort of decision.'
From the beginning of TxDOT's cap and stitch project there have been a number of concerns, including how much it costs.
Austin's full capped I-35 'vision plan' could cost over $1B
But those in support of the project in its entirety maintain say it's worth the investment.
'The Downtown Austin Alliance supports the Cap and Stitch project as a transformative opportunity to convert I-35 from a longstanding barrier into a community connector. Reconnecting East and West Austin will enhance the city's economic and cultural vitality by supporting small businesses, creating new community public spaces and new development opportunities.
'With intentional design and strong public-private-philanthropic partnerships, Cap and Stitch can deliver lasting value. Klyde Warren Park in Dallas is proof that when infrastructure is designed for people, it can reshape a city and spark new life around it.
'To realize this vision, full funding to future-proof the caps will be essential. This is a pivotal moment to invest in infrastructure that supports Austin's future.'
Downtown Austin Alliance
The city said it was set to find out about whether its federal funding for the project was cut on Feb. 20. Staff provided KXAN with a statement.
After hearing feedback from the community, the city created a vision plan for all the capping opportunities and presented cost estimates to council in 2024. On may 6, staff will present updated information at Austin city council's work session. City council is then scheduled to consider an advanced funding agreement with the texas department of transportation on may 22 for roadway elements. City staff are still in negotiations with the u.s. department of transportation regarding the awarded $105 million neighborhood access and equity grant for the cesar chavez street-fourth street cap. As of now, no final decisions have been made regarding that funding. '
City of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department
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