The city of Cedar Park is applying for federal grants for two transportation projects.

Randy Skinner, assistant director of transportation for the city of Cedar Park, presented the plan to the city council at its Jan. 8 meeting. Council members unanimously approved city staff to move forward with the grant applications.

The projects: One project would widen Whitestone Boulevard from four lanes to six between Bagdad Road and the Williamson/Travis County line. The estimated cost of that project is $27 million.
The other project is a corridor study for Bell Boulevard. Documents provided by city staff at the council meeting say that “the purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of: reducing driveways, improving safety for all users, adding medians, illumination, pavement improvements, drainage accommodations, shared use paths and/or sidewalks, pedestrian amenities such as benches and trashcans, and landscaping and beautification elements.”

That study is expected to cost $1 million.

Boot Barn is now open in Lakeline Plaza, bringing in a selection of boots and Western wear to Cedar Park. The store opened on Nov. 18, said store manager Bob Niederhauser, and a grand opening is planned for Jan. 16-19. 

The details: Boot Barn moved into the space formerly occupied by Bed, Bath & Beyond, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023, according to previous Community Impact reporting. 

What they offer: The Western wear store sells a variety of hats, cowboy boots, apparel, workwear and accessories for women, men and youth. 
Soft opened Nov. 18

• 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Cedar Park

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office will apply for a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase a swift water rescue boat.

The details: The $35,519 grant would cover the full cost of the inflatable boat, accessories and the trailer for the swift water rescue team to use during flash flood emergencies, according to county documents.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides grants to purchase public safety equipment, training and education, and is funded in part by sales at Firehouse Subs restaurants. There is no match required from the county.

Some context: The sheriff’s office owns one boat for the swift water rescue team. The additional rescue boat will ensure there is always at least one operational boat available to the sheriff’s office, according to county documents.

Many major corridor projects funded through the city of Austin's 2016 mobility bond are completed or moving toward construction, with tens of millions of dollars from the voter-approved transportation package still remaining as of early 2026.

The details: City voters approved the $720 million bond for roadway, sidewalk and trail upgrades, as well as safety improvements under the Vision Zero program, in November 2016. The majority of the package, $482 million, was dedicated to stretches of Austin's busiest roadways under the corridor program.

Corridor projects worth roughly $360 million have now been completed or approved for development as of this winter, and more than $40 million in construction work is anticipated this year, headlined by intensive work along South Lamar Boulevard.