AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin has identified approximately 16 locations that could be affected by an order from Gov. Greg Abbott to “remove any and all political ideologies” from streets in cities and counties throughout Texas. The city also identified millions of dollars in funding that could be lost if it does not comply.
The governor on Wednesday ordered the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to tighten roadway safety guidelines. TxDOT must ensure all counties and cities remove any and all political ideologies from Texas streets. Abbott said, in part, “To keep Texas moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a safe and consistent transportation network across Texas.”
Abbott’s order came after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in August sent a letter to governors across the country urging them to participate in a national road safety initiative. According to previous reporting, that initiative included removing artwork or political messages from streets.
Duffy didn’t specifically point to things like rainbow crosswalks, but suggested that type of display is unsafe.
The city of Austin provided KXAN with a statement Friday saying it will comply with the new guidelines, but did not say if rainbow crosswalks specifically would be removed from city streets.
Potential impacts to Austin streets, crosswalks
A message was posted to the city of Austin Council Message Board on Saturday morning addressing the state and federal orders. The post was made by Colleen Pate, the mayor’s office’s chief of staff, on behalf of Mayor Kirk Watson.
“City staff has been looking into what this could impact. It appears there are approximately 16 locations with markings that could be applicable,” the message said in part. The message did not list the exact locations.
“Staff has also looked at what it could cost the city if we don’t comply. Failure to remove the paint would jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars. Austin Transportation and Public Works alone currently has $175 million in state and federal grant funding. Of course, there are also additional grant opportunities coming up that could be lost.”
Watson said in the message that he’s planning to come up with a proposal and has asked staff to immediately help with a plan to let the city “represent our diverse community, show our love and pride, and allow Austinites to participate in expression.”
Some examples Watson gave of what that could look like included:
- banners along Bettie Naylor Street
- potential permanent fixtures on city-owned property like sidewalks or utility poles
- potential painting of sidewalks
The message said the plan will also work in the East 11th Street area where the “Black Artists Matter ATX” mural is painted.
“What I’m thinking is we utilize property fully controlled by the city that allows for such activity without being in violation of any federal or state requirement. I’m confident that there are many in our community who would jump at the chance to help fund such an effort,” the message stated.
City staff was asked to come up with a proposal “that will assure creative participation by Austinites as we demonstrate how Austin’s pride, love, and diversity won’t be suppressed.”
“There’s more than one way to show we care. There’s more than one way to celebrate the good in our city,” the message concluded.
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