New Braunfels will consider up to $382,950 for South Kowald Lane right-of-way purchases and acquisition services on Sept. 28.
The land work would cover about 12 parcels needed for turn lanes, signal upgrades, sidewalks and drainage work between I-35 and FM 1101.
How the proposal breaks down
One consent item, file 26-1126, would authorize up to $300,000 for right-of-way, drainage easements, sight-distance easements and temporary construction easements. The money could also cover damage to affected improvements such as fencing and landscaping. Appraisals would establish fair-market values before offers go to property owners.
A companion item, file 26-1125, would authorize up to $82,950 for Cobb, Fendley & Associates to handle acquisition and appraisal-related services. The city awarded the firm an on-call acquisition-services contract in January 2024, according to the item report.
Where the project stands
The TDLR accessibility filing lists an estimated $1.3 million cost, June 2028 start and July 2030 completion. Its scope covers roadway reconstruction, turn lanes, drainage improvements and sidewalks from the I-35 northbound frontage road to FM 1101. Those entries describe the state filing, not a construction award from the Sept. 28 agenda. Comal.News documented the filing in an earlier South Kowald filing report.
Both city item reports identify South Kowald Lane as part of Proposition A in the 2023 bond program. They say the project budgets already include money for acquisition, easements and consultant services. The proposed corridor work would add a center turn lane, intersection turn lanes, signal upgrades, sidewalks on both sides and drainage improvements.
What happens next
The two consent items remain proposals until the City Council votes at its 6 p.m. Sept. 28 meeting. The meeting is scheduled for the Council Chambers at City Hall, 550 Landa St. Residents may ask that a consent item be discussed separately by attending and requesting its removal from the consent calendar; the posted agenda also provides time to speak when an item is called.