City Council Meeting Date: June 9, 2026
Date: June 1, 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 An Advance Funding Agreement (AFA) With The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) To Fund Construction Of A Shared Use Trail In TC Rice Park.
Body
Summary:
The purpose of this item is to allow for the grant funding of the construction of a shared use trail through TC Rice Park through NCTCOG and TxDOT in a maximum amount of $10,000,000, requiring a 20% local match, for a maximum construction cost of $12,500,000.
Background:
The TC Rice Trail is part of both the Carrollton Trail Master Plan and the Regional Trail Plan. As a critical link in the regional plan NCTCOG awarded funding for construction of this segment of trail through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives funding grant. An interagency agreement with TxDOT is required to receive the awarded construction funding. To begin construction of the project in a timely manner, design of the trail has already started, and construction is scheduled for 2027.
The TC 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.
Financial Implications:
The City has received a Transportation Alternatives Grant from TxDOT of $10,000,000. This grant will allow the City of Carrollton to construct a shared use trail through TC Rice Park, including a bridge across the Elm Fork Trinity River. The City will be responsible for a 20% local match of the total construction cost. COG has also granted $272,000 in Transportation Development Credits which will be used as a portion of the 20% local match, therefore, $2,228,000 in City funds will be required to utilize the full amount of available grant funding. The maximum City match would result in a construction cost of $12,500,000. Funds for the City portion of the local match 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:
• Expanding access to the regional trail network and increasing safe, connected mobility options for pedestrians and cyclists. (Hospitality, Accessible, Healthy)
• Creating a key recreation asset in TC Rice Area and improving opportunities for outdoor activity and wellness. (Healthy, Thriving)
• Supporting long term infrastructure investment through partnership with TxDOT and NCTCOG, maximizing grant funding and demonstrating responsible stewardship of City resources. (Economical)
• Strengthening community connectivity and encouraging greater public engagement with parks and trails. (Engaging)
Staff Recommendation/Action Desired:
Staff recommends adopting a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an Advance Funding Agreement with TxDOT to fund construction of a shared use trail in TC Rice Park.