SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio City Council approved an ordinance and reallocation of funds to begin the process of creating a major road project aimed at connecting parts of the city’s major manufacturers across the South Side.

The decision was made during a packed council meeting Thursday, which included the appointment of the city’s mayor. first female fire chief and approve the city’s state legislative program before next year’s state session.

The plan, called the East-West Connector Major Roads Plan Realignment Project, will support the creation of a highway across the region, connecting parts of some of the city’s key manufacturing and innovation districts.

During comments at the start of Thursday’s council meeting, District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha García put it bluntly.

“Plain and simple, the time has come for the South Side,” he said.

The project, a top priority in the city’s legislative program, is still in its early stages. However, on Thursday the City Council approved the first steps of the project with a proposed feasibility study.

“When completed, this project will be the catalyst to transform the entire south side of San Antonio into the center of advanced manufacturing in Texas while improving the quality of life for current and future residents,” said Rocha García.

Funds totaling $250,000 from an Economic Development Incentive Fund will be allocated for the study. The project would cross City Council Districts 3 and 4.

Through the study, the city hopes to identify and evaluate alternative highway options from Interstate 35 to Interstate 37, under Loop 410, according to city documents.

In addition to engineering projections and expected environmental impacts, the study will weigh construction costs and support future grant and funding opportunities.