By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The City of San Benito is allocating $42,000 of six-figure funding for a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing aging infrastructure and supporting long-term economic growth.
The San Benito City Commissioners announced the unanimous decision during a regular meeting on Nov. 4.
CSRS will collaborate with the City of San Benito on a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan.
Donald Brinkman, CSRS principal in charge, stated that the action was in response to the City of San Benito’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional consulting and planning services, which was submitted last month.
San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval said the grant will provide the city with an opportunity to collaborate with the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District.
“This is going to provide funding to come up with planning for sidewalks, crosswalks, different things across the city; we will get the opportunity to partner with (SBCISD),” Sandoval said. “Once we have this in place, the commissioners will be able to chase those dollars at the state and federal levels.”
A Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation program from the Texas General Land Office finances the plan.
The consulting and planning services cost $274,000. An SS4A federal grant was awarded in the amount of $232,000.
The city will pay the remaining $42,000, according to an executive summary given to elected leaders.
According to the city’s comprehensive plan provided by CSRS, it “prioritizes revitalization of historic downtown as a center of civil life and economic activity, with a dual focus on improving physical conditions and supporting small business growth.”
CSRS also seeks to collaborate with local government and elected officials to preserve the city’s cultural identity, attract new investment, and address the need for safer and more connected streets, especially in neighborhoods with aging infrastructure that have limited access to services.
It also includes “flood mitigation strategies aligned with regional drainage plans and identifies opportunities to improve park access, community health, and transportation connectivity.”
The plan also suggests “zoning reforms that support infill development and mixed-use options while preserving the character of established areas.”
According to CSRS, eight phases will be completed by November 2026.
In the plan, Brinkman showed that the first phase includes a kickoff meeting with administrative leadership and public works to review “relevant” city plans related to transportation, hazard mitigation, and evacuation.
They will identify goals, performance metrics, and project success criteria. The next phase would begin in January and focus on severe crashes, risk overlays in school zones, flood-prone roads, and key evacuation corridors.
According to CSRS, a public engagement session will occur in March 2026, featuring an open house-style meeting at up to three locations across the city. “Stakeholders” are expected to attend. An online survey with interactive comment mapping will be available for residents.
The second public engagement is scheduled for August 2026 and will include a presentation of projects and options.
As part of the final phase, the commissioners will adopt the final plan at a meeting scheduled for November 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Thomas W. Goodman II commended Brinkman, who was in attendance.
“What I want are (future) actionable items, that’s what I’m looking for,” Commissioner Goodman said. “Items that (city commission) can really take and sink our teeth into.”
He said the comprehensive plan’s illustrations, which highlight what CSRS can offer the city, were impressive, but he wants to “make it real.”
“Plans are great, but action is even better,” he said.