COPPERAS COVE — The wheels are finally in motion for the Copperas Cove Southeast Bypass project to become a reality.
The Copperas Cove City Council voted Tuesday to authorize City Manager Andrea Gardner to execute an Advanced Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation, giving the green light to the construction process.
Gardner said bid documents will be sent out in January and funds will be issued to TxDOT by mid-February. Construction of the bypass probably will begin in September.
"I think it's a spectacular partnership on behalf of all parties," she said, noting many people contributed to moving the project along. "Working together like that allows projects like this to come to fruition, and it's just a great day for Copperas Cove in my opinion."
The bypass will create an alternative route running from U.S. Highway 190 west of Farm-to-Market Road 2657 to the east side of Copperas Cove. It will relieve traffic congestion on the highway, which bisects the city.
According to the funding agreement, the city will issue future bonds, which will provide federal and state funding for a portion of the required construction funds for the project.
The project cost is estimated at $45.4 million, which the city will issue as debt in January. Category 3 funds from the Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization will repay $42.3 million, and $1 million will be taken from Category 10 federal earmark funds. Local contributions will total $8 million, which includes a $1.1 million contribution from the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation.
In September, CCEDC committed to the project as a guarantee that an overpass at Old Copperas Cove Road would be included in the bypass project. If an alternative funding source comes through, CCEDC's money won't be used.
"I believe this will provide a tremendous economic boost to the city in the long-term, specifically to the Economic Development Corporation," said Polo Enriquez, CCEDC executive director.
Enriquez said negotiations have begun in earnest with First Advisors Inc., an Austin company, to develop the area across from Cinergy Cinemas on Constitution Drive with a shopping center called The Shops at Five Hills, something that has been in the works for more than five years.
"We're very optimistic that this is going to happen, and we're moving forward with negotiations," he said.
Enriquez said he'd like to bring light industry to the area and has ideas for building a business and technology park on the remaining acreage.
"Overall, it is a tremendous gain to the city," he said. "I'm very, very happy that we've reached this particular point."
Read the full article by Lauren Cabral, Killeen Daily Herald, Wednesday, Dec. 8 2010 10:08 PM
