CC MEETING: February 17, 2026
DATE: February 9, 2026
TO: Erin Rinehart, City Manager
FROM: Jonathan Wheat, P.E., Director of Engineering
Shannon Hicks, P.E., Assistant City Manager
Title
Consider A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Negotiate And Execute A Professional Services Contract With Halff Associates, Inc. For Engineering Services Related To The T.C. Rice Regional Trail In An Amount Not To Exceed $1,819,200.00.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The T.C. Rice Regional Trail is part of both the Carrollton Trail Master Plan and the Regional Veloweb Trail Plan. As a critical link in the regional plan, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) awarded funding for construction of this segment of trail through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives funding grant. An interagency agreement with TxDOT will be required to receive the awarded construction funding. In order to begin construction of the project in a timely manner, design of the trail is scheduled for 2026-27.
The T.C. Rice Trail is a 1.3 mile long section of shared use trail beginning at the north Carrollton City Limits, with a connection to the Regional Trail currently beginning construction in Lewisville and ending with a bridge across the Trinity River just north of Frankford Road. Halff Associates, Inc. has completed all the previous studies and preliminary planning for this section of trail for both the City and NCTCOG and has extensive knowledge of the area and the design trails throughout the region.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The City has been awarded a regional trail grant of $10 million from TxDOT for the construction of the T.C. Rice Trail. City funding will be used for the design of the trail. Funds for design of the trail are available from the Parks Consolidated fund.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY:
This project will support the City Council’s strategic objectives and vision of building a community that families and businesses want to call home by:
• Improving community health and wellness by advancing the design of a shared use trail that promotes walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation. (Healthy)
• Expanding accessibility by creating a continuous off street trail connection that links Carrollton residents to the regional trail network and neighboring communities. (Accessible)
• Demonstrating economical use of public funds by leveraging regional grant funding for construction while investing locally in design to deliver a construction ready project. (Economical)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION/ACTION DESIRED:
Staff recommends authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a professional services contract with Halff Associates, Inc. for engineering services related to the T.C. Rice Regional Trail in an amount not to exceed $1,819,200.00.