ATX-BAS: Impact 10/13/2025

Ongoing projects
Blakey Lane Extension
Project: Blakey Lane in Bastrop will be extended from Edward Burleson Lane to a proposed street called Reed Way, south from Reed Way to Old Austin Highway.

Update: Austin-based The Goodman Corp. is creating potential designs for an intersection at Old Austin Highway, which will include options for a roundabout.

• Timeline: expected to finish the planning phase Dec. 26
• Cost: $7-8 million
• Funding source: transportation impact fees, roadway maintenance fees, and water and wastewater fees

• Timeline: expected to finish construction Dec. 15
• Cost: $5.27 million
• Funding source: Texas General Land Office Community Development Block Grant Mitigation grant awarded to the city in May 2021

Veterans and their families will be joined by Bastrop County residents in a salute to service Nov. 8 at the Red, White and Blue Veterans Appreciation Banquet.

The details: The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at the Bastrop County Convention and Exhibit Center at 1408 Chestnut St. in Bastrop—a venue that the Red, White and Blue Veterans of Bastrop County transitioned to after outgrowing facilities from previous years.

Richard Hutchins, who serves as the chairman of the nonprofit organization, told Community Impact that more than 500 guests are expected to be in attendance, and Col. Dawn Ellis, who serves in the Marine Corps Reserve, will be featured as the keynote speaker.

“I think the most important thing with the banquet is that we’re able to recognize veterans for their sacrifice and for their period of service,” he said. “We’ll have veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War and Cold War in attendance.”

Check out the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from Oct. 6-10.

1. Hwy. 290 extension could improve travel between Travis and Bastrop counties

2. Bridge placed over Lake Creek to connect Round Rock West with downtown area

3. Austin ISD unveils plans to close 13 schools in 2026-27 school year

4. Cedar Park’s Firefly launches $855 million bid for defense tech company

5. Bastrop Automotive to be built on FM 969

6. Samsung employees to move into office building on Taylor campus this November

Texas’ power grid is unlikely to have issues this December, according to an Oct. 3 report by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

The details: During the winter, demand for electricity spikes when people get up in the morning and return home in the evening. This December, the tightest period is expected to be from 7-8 a.m. each day, when little to no solar power is being produced. ERCOT found that there will be a 1.81% chance of a grid emergency during that time.

“Under typical grid conditions, the deterministic scenario indicates that there should be sufficient generating capacity available," the report reads.

The background: Texas' grid withstood three cold snaps early this year. ERCOT last asked residents to voluntarily reduce their energy use in January 2024.

Legislative approach: State lawmakers approved legislation this spring that is designed to make the grid more reliable by tightening regulations on large electric consumers, such as data centers. In extreme grid conditions, those customers will be required to switch to backup power to reduce strain on the grid.