The City of Austin is inching closer to the development of John Trevino Park, setting the stage for new public park facilities spanning nearly 10 acres. According to a notice published on January 5, the city plans to request the release of Community Project Funding (CPF) from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or about January 21, for the construction of various amenities, including a pavilion, restrooms, and trails, as listed on the City of Austin's website.
The project, located at 9501 FM 969, Austin, TX 78725, boasts an estimated cost of $8.5 million with $1 million expected to come from CPF, alongside funds from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program via Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the 2018 City of Austin General Obligation Bonds. The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, in response to Tribal Consultation, have requested to be notified of any findings such as human remains or pre-contact artifacts during construction; whereupon, work should immediately cease, and the THPO Administrative Assistant must be contacted—an indicator of the project's sensitivity to cultural heritage.
In a statement obtained by the City of Austin's announcement, the city's Housing Department has determined that the park development won’t significantly impact the human environment, eluding the need for an Environmental Impact Statement as mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The public can review the Environmental Review Record at the City of Austin Housing Department or request it by email, with the opportunity to submit comments on the ERR by January 21, 2026.
Deletta Dean, the City of Austin Housing Department’s Director, has certified to HUD that all environmental responsibilities are satisfied, which allows for the use of program funds, should objections to the release of funds not halt the process; these objections can be submitted for a period of fifteen days following the request submission or receipt, and HUD's approval of the certification satisfies its NEPA obligations, as well as other related legal and authoritative requirements. Objections, if any, must be based on specific aspects of HUD's regulatory requirements and should be addressed to HUD at the San Antonio Field Office, for which any potential objectors are urged to confirm the last day of the objection period by contacting HUD directly.
