Local and state leaders are launching a wave of transportation projects across Bastrop County to address traffic congestion, improve roadway safety and prepare for continued regional growth.

1. Blakey Lane extension ($7 million-$8 million): The planning stage is 56% complete. 

2. Farm, Linden and Water streets improvements ($4.36 million): Striping activities began Feb. 13, and Water Street was completed Feb. 17.

3. Old Iron Bridge rehabilitation ($9.6 million): Eastbound traffic on the Loop 150 bridge is closed to accommodate equipment needed for the rehabilitation.

4. 290 extension project (TBD): A public survey concluded Oct. 10.

5. FM 812 improvement project ($145 million): The project spans from US 183 in Travis County to Hwy. 21 in Bastrop County.

6. Hwy. 21 improvement (TBD): Preliminary plans are for the corridor to become a four-lane divided highway with a grassy median.

Bastrop residents now have a new option for tanning and skincare services after Palm Beach Tan opened in the Burleson Crossing shopping center.

What we know: The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce welcomed Palm Beach Tan to the community during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December.

“They have the perfect experience for every guest,” the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. “We’re excited to see this new business shine in Bastrop and look forward to the success ahead.”

What they offer: Palm Beach Tan, a Dallas-based indoor salon, offers sunbed tanning, spray tanning, skin care services and wellness products, according to its website.

• Opened Dec. 1
• Burleson Crossing, 707 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 110, Bastrop

On March 31, Texas’ roughly 9,000 licensed consumable hemp retailers will face sweeping regulations, including a more than 3,000% increase in annual licensing fees and a ban on most smokable cannabis products.

The overview: The new rules, which also include age verification requirements, stricter packaging guidelines and more rounds of product testing, were originally proposed in December. The Texas Department of State Health Services, which regulates the state’s hemp industry, adopted the rules March 2.

The debate: Supporters of the increased regulations previously said they hoped the changes would result in more comprehensive oversight of Texas’ hemp industry and improve consumer safety. 

Some experts said they were concerned the new rules were taking effect too quickly and could lead some hemp businesses to close their doors.

"It is really tragic that these entrepreneurs are being faced with this, especially in a state like Texas that touts being pro-business ... and here we are shutting down businesses and relegating consumers to an illicit market," said Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center.