Well owners and residents from South Austin to San Marcos could soon see the region’s worst drought declaration in almost 40 years as the area approaches 44 consecutive months in a drought, increasing costs and labor for well owners.

Current situation: The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District warns that without significant rainfall, it may soon issue a Stage 4 Emergency Response Period declaration for the first time in its 39-year history, the most extreme drought stage the district can issue.

The local impact: About 50% of Texans rely on groundwater, said Shay Hlavaty, Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District communications and outreach manager. Residents operating domestic wells in the district may be required to lower their pumps, a costly and time-consuming endeavor.

Residents receiving water from municipalities in the district’s coverage area will see increased water restrictions.

Affected municipalities will set restrictions to meet district requirements as they see fit, such as increased costs or fines for overconsumption.

Next steps: Hlavaty urged pump owners and residents to conserve water by avoiding outside watering, take shorter showers and run full loads of dishes and laundry.

Editor's note: This article is based on a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations filing. Community Impact will provide updates as we learn more.

A Mexican eatery with roots in Buda is set to open two new locations in Kyle.

What’s happening: Two Taco Clem locations will soon welcome customers near Heroes Memorial Drive and Bunton Creek.

Jalisco’s opened the first Taco Clem location in Buda in May 2023. 

Diving deeper: The first location will open in a new retail building near the recently opened Sprouts Farmers Market, according to the city of Kyle. The $80,000 renovations are estimated to be complete on April 1.
 

• 150 Heroes Memorial Drive, Ste. 300, Kyle

• 1050 Bunton Creek Rd., Ste. 140, Kyle

Two Republican candidates are running to represent District 44 of the Texas House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Alan Schoolcraft, who is running for re-election in the Republican March primary.

The details: Community Impact reached out to Rep. Schoolcraft and his Republican opponent, Gabriel Ortiz, but did not receive a response as of press time.

Check out six upcoming, ongoing or completed transportation projects across the Austin metro, including toll roads in North Austin and Cedar Park, various lane expansions and improvements for cyclists and pedestrians.

Upcoming: New Hope Drive expansion
The traffic changes come as the city is working to expand New Hope Drive from four to six lanes and open an innovative intersection design at New Hope Drive and 183A Toll.
Update: The project is in the design phase.

• Timeline: expected completion summer 2027
• Cost: $1.8 million
• Funding source: 2022 transportation bond

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $612 million
• Funding source: federal funding, sale of roll revenue bonds, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funds

Two Republican candidates are running to lead the Texas Department of Agriculture in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Nate Sheets is challenging incumbent Sid Miller, who is seeking a fourth term as Texas agriculture commissioner. The winning Republican candidate will face Democrat Clayton Tucker in November, and the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

Tucker is running uncontested in the Democratic primary. Community Impact runs candidate Q&As for contested races only.

About the agency: The Texas Department of Agriculture's duties include administering federal nutrition programs and grants; facilitating trade of agricultural products; protecting crops from pests and diseases; providing financial assistance to farmers and rural communities; and conducting consumer protection programs, according to the agency's website.