PARD director estimates $1 million in weather-related damages

At last week’s Parks and Recreation Board meeting, Parks and Recreation Department Director Kimberly McNeeley presented the most recent director’s report for the department, highlighting PARD’s response to the historic winter storms and the power outages in the region. According to McNeeley,…

Parks • By Sean Saldaña • Mar 1, 2021

Construction imminent for Longhorn Dam bridge

The Austin Transportation Department has decided on Longhorn Dam’s new bike and pedestrian bridge, which is designed to increase safety on Pleasant Valley Road and connect trails and parks in the area. The bridge’s design is “wishbone style” and will…

Transportation • By Harrison Young • Mar 1, 2021

Council critiques Uri response – and looks ahead to future disasters

On Thursday, City Council launched a wide-ranging review of the city’s response to the devastation wrought by winter storm Uri, beginning the long, complex work of preparing for the next storm – even as the current crisis persists for many.…

City Council • By Jonathan Lee • Feb 26, 2021

City says fix the leak now, get the permit later

In an effort to assist residents dealing with the aftereffects of prolonged freezing temperatures, heavy snow and freezing rain, City Council approved an ordinance Thursday waiving residential permitting and development fees for repairing or rebuilding structures and removing downed trees.…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • Feb 26, 2021

Travis County bush

County wants permanent supportive housing – but first, where's the money?

The Commissioners Court fielded statements from county executives Tuesday regarding a negotiation to fund hundreds of units of permanent supportive housing. Justice and Public Safety Executive Roger Jefferies spoke, as well as Health and Human Services Executive Sherri Fleming. The proposal,…

Travis County • By Seth Smalley • Feb 26, 2021

Conservation groups promote 'Lights Out' to protect migrating birds

A coalition of organizations is working to promote a program to protect migrating birds as they pass through Austin this spring. Travis Audubon, Texan by Nature, Defenders of Wildlife, the Austin Office of Sustainability, Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, Audubon Texas, and…

Environment • By Sumaiya Malik, Reporting Texas • Feb 26, 2021

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Cold weather kills bats across Texas

Large numbers of dead or dying bats are being discovered under bridges and overpasses in Texas after last week’s winter storm. One Austin resident sent KUT a video of what she saw downtown under a bridge at Henderson and Ninth Street.…

Environment • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Feb 25, 2021

Court rejects bid to overturn ballot language

Today’s City Council agenda contains resolutions and emergency ordinances waiving fees and regulations to help Austinites deal with the aftermath of prolonged freezing temperatures and the loss of power and water. The final item on the agenda is entirely different.…

Courts • By Jo Clifton • Feb 25, 2021

Austin Parks Foundation gives an update on Zilker train restoration

The Austin Parks Foundation has laid out its plans to restore the beloved train formerly known as the Zilker Zephyr, which ceased operations last year. In January 2020, after more than two decades in operation, the owners of the Zephyr…

Parks • By Sean Saldaña • Feb 25, 2021

Design Commission gives feedback on Fiesta Gardens vision

On Monday, the Design Commission reviewed plans for Fiesta Gardens, a city-owned events center in East Austin that is set to receive extensive renovations within the next two years.  The venue, which is on the National Register of Historic Places,…

Preservation • By Jonathan Lee • Feb 25, 2021

Home repair funds increased to fix storm damage

In response to the unprecedented damage to homes caused by winter storm Uri, Austin Water has transferred $1 million to the city’s Housing and Planning Department to help Austinites repair ruptured water lines. The city already had a program to help…

Housing • By Jo Clifton • Feb 24, 2021

Austin Public Health plans to administer 37,000 Covid-19 vaccines this week after storm delayed efforts

Austin Public Health is working overtime this week to try to administer 37,000 Covid-19 vaccines after the winter storm delayed vaccination efforts for more than a week. That number is much higher than what APH has been able to administer…

Public Health • By Marisa Charpentier, KUT • Feb 24, 2021

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