Project Connect, the regional transit expansion program in Austin, Texas, is advancing with public meetings and elections for the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) board officers.
Starting Monday, Jan. 25, community members can attend virtual scoping meetings for the Orange Line and Blue Line. There will be eight meetings throughout the week, including two in Spanish. These sessions will provide information about the projects and the federal environmental review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
Virtual meetings for the Pleasant Valley and Expo MetroRapid Lines will begin on Feb. 2. These sessions will include updates on Project Connect and plans for MetroRapid. Three meetings are scheduled, with one conducted in Spanish.
Community members are encouraged to submit questions to CapMetro staff during live question-and-answer sessions at each meeting. For those unable to attend live sessions, a self-guided virtual open house will be available on the Project Connect website. Meeting dates and details can be found at ProjectConnect.com/get-involved.
At its inaugural meeting, ATP elected board officers and approved its bylaws and FY2021 budget.
Veronica Castro de Barrera was elected as ATP Board Chair. She joined the board in December as a community representative with expertise in architectural engineering and construction. "Chair Castro de Barrera is the founding principal of VCdB Architecture & Art and is a licensed architect with a history of creating more walkable, inclusive urban design and transit-friendly communities," stated an official release.
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette was elected as ATP Vice Board Chair. She serves as a community representative with expertise in community planning and sustainability. "Vice Chair Burnette has been president of Huston-Tillotson University since 2015," according to officials.
Other ATP board members include Mayor Steve Adler from Austin City Council, Eric Stratton from the CapMetro Board, and Tony Elkins as a community representative with expertise in finance.
During the meeting, Jackie Nirenberg, CapMetro’s Community Engagement Manager, reported that 77,395 community members have been engaged about Project Connect so far.
ATP board meetings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m., with all materials posted on their website for transparency purposes.
For more information visit AustinTransitPartnership.org.