Hays County was awarded over $39 million in federal funding to construct an overpass at the Union Pacific Railroad, or UP, crossing on Centerpoint Road. The project will eliminate the conflict between trains and roadway traffic.

The gist: On Aug. 14, the Centerpoint Crossing Elimination and Safety Project secured the $39.23 million federal award through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, according to a Hays County press release.

The project extends from I-35 to FM 2439/Hunter Road. The federal grant will cover 80% of the total cost. The county and UP will fund the remaining 20%, or $9.81 million.

The details: Project plans outline an overpass over the railroad with two lanes going in each direction, a widened roadway with a median and shoulders and shared-use paths on both sides, according to the release.

The county has completed a preliminary engineering report and schematic design for the overpass. The process of acquiring right-of-way land and property rights and completing the final design is underway.

On July 7, San Marcos CISD, or SMCISD, Superintendent Michael Cardona announced his intention to retire at the end of September 2026. The Board of Trustees appointed Sonya Rodriguez as the district’s interim superintendent on Aug. 24, effective Sept. 14.

The overview: The district is in the midst of a comprehensive search for a new permanent superintendent. Rodriguez has 36 years of public education experience, according to an SMCISD news release.

Rodriguez, an executive director and chief academic officer at Edinburg CISD, has led districtwide initiatives centered on curriculum, instruction and accountability. The initiatives have positively impacted student achievement, campus performance ratings and organizational effectiveness, according to the release.

The district hopes her skills in data-driven planning and performance monitoring will help strengthen efforts to guarantee successful student outcomes, according to the release.

“I am honored to serve San Marcos CISD during this important period of transition,” Rodriguez said in the release.

Additions and renovations to Deerpark Middle School in Round Rock ISD, a refresh of the Yeti headquarters building and a new donut shop in Austin are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the metro this week.

1. Aalo Advanced Manufacturing ($25 million): This project involves the renovation of an existing 204,350 square-foot one-story warehouse building to provide lab, machine shop and production floor space for Aalo Atomics Advanced Manufacturing.

2. Deerpark Middle School additions and renovations ($20 million): Renovations will be taking place at Deerpark Middle School, including a fine arts and classroom addition at the main building.

3. Yeti HQ refresh ($2.1 million): The Yeti headquarters building in Austin will undergo a renovation. 

4. UT Austin President's Office renovation ($1 million): This project involves the renovation of the main suite to serve as the temporary President’s Office during the main building restoration.

5. Smiling Donuts ($120,000): A new Smiling Donuts location is coming to Austin.

Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, and Libertarian Pat Dixon, a professional engineer, are challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the Nov. 3 election. Abbott is seeking a fourth term in the governor's mansion.

The big picture: As Texas’ top elected official, the governor signs and vetoes legislation, serves as commander-in-chief of the state military and appoints members of state agencies or advisory boards. Community Impact asked the three gubernatorial candidates for their perspectives on data centers, education, the cost of living and other topics.

The background: Abbott beat 10 Republican challengers in the March primary election, while Hinojosa beat eight other Democratic candidates to advance to the November election. Dixon was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.