Here are four water infrastructure updates from the Leander area:

1. Tunnels complete for Lake Travis deep-water intake project
All underground concrete work on the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority’s deep-water intake project is now complete, according to Aaron Archer, vice president of civil engineering firm Walker Partners.

2. Work progressing on regional water treatment plant in Cedar Park
One set of improvements at the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority water treatment plant has been completed.

3. Sandy Creek Water Treatment Plant upgrades to be completed in early 2026
Upgrades to the Sandy Creek Water Treatment Plant are on track to be completed in February, according to Gina Ellison, executive director of public works for the city of Leander.

4. Williamson County forms coalition of regional water providers
The Williamson County Water Group is bringing together local water providers to explore long-term water supply solutions, including an engineering study that will evaluate regional water needs.

Creative 3D Technologies, a manufacturer in the medical, aerospace, defense and industrial sectors, is bringing its headquarters to Cedar Park as part of an economic development agreement with the city. 

The overview: The Cedar Park City Council approved an economic development agreement with the technology manufacturer Dec. 18, promising up to $400,000 in incentive payments and rebate of all or some of the sales tax generated by a facility located in the city limits through 2030.

Several municipalities in Williamson County restrict the use of fireworks to enforce public safety ahead of the New Year's holiday, according to a county news release.

The details: Williamson County residents may not set off fireworks within city limits, in Williamson County parks, near Independent School Districts or within 5,000 feet of those boundaries.

Why it matters: Fireworks sales began on Dec. 20 in preparation for New Year's Eve. Williamson County urges the public to practice safe use of fireworks where they are allowed including:

• Purchasing fireworks from reputable sellers 
• Keeping children and pets away from fireworks 
• Lighting fireworks outdoors, on a flat surface, and away from homes, buildings, dry leaves and grass
• Following label directions, instructions and warnings 
• Disposing of fireworks properly

David Boren, vice president of Chisholm Trail Financial Group providing financial services in Central Texas, spoke with Community Impact about best practices for estate planning. He has 40 years of experience as a certified financial planner.

What are the most common mistakes people make when estate planning?
The state intestate laws say that if you don't have a will, then if you have a spouse, significant other or someone that you are in a legal relationship with, 50% goes to them. And for any children, 50% goes to the children whether you want it to or not. So it's important that someone take the steps necessary to start this process.

What are some things that people should know when starting their estate planning?
How do you want your assets distributed?
And, what's the most efficient way to distribute them without leaving a lump sum to the IRS?

How can families help each other during the estate planning process?
Ask the question. Don't be afraid to say, “What have you done?”

While some individuals are interested in coping with experiences by enrolling in traditional one-on-one therapy sessions, others may be drawn to healing alongside a community.

Austin-based running club Good Grief has shaped an experience for community members to find solace in staying active while working through their grief with people going through similar situations.

The inspiration: The club was founded by Samantha Hendel who received news in 2022 of her mother’s lung cancer diagnosis. While trying to make sense of the news, a week later Hendel was notified her father had received a colon cancer diagnosis.

To cope with the news, Handel started running in addition to going to therapy. She said while run clubs were popular in the city, she wasn’t finding an exact space like the one she was looking for.

The local impact: Today, the group averages 100 people every Monday morning at Noble Joe’s Coffee Co. in South Austin.