Austin Mayor Kirk Watson Initiates Planning for Light Rail Extension to Airport
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has announced that the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) will commence planning for a potential light rail extension to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). This initiative aims to connect the airport, which is currently undergoing a $5 billion expansion, to the city's planned light rail system. The proposed extension would span approximately three miles, primarily elevated, and include a station at AUS. The planning phase is projected to last nine to twelve months, during which ATP will focus on cost analysis, funding strategies, and a streamlined federal environmental review process, as agreed upon by the Federal Transit Administration. Mayor Watson has challenged ATP to execute this project within the existing budget approved by voters, explicitly stating that no additional taxpayer funds should be requested. This move comes after key milestones for the first phase of light rail have been met, including the completion of the federal environmental review and securing majo...
