Austin's light rail project cleared a key federal review in January, marking a "major milestone" in the multibillion-dollar transit system's ongoing development.

The details: Roughly half of the light rail's $7.1 billion price tag will be covered through federal grants that require an extensive Federal Transit Administration review and approval. As one step in that funding process, Austin Light Rail entered the FTA's National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, review about two years ago. The federal agency has now issued its record of decision for the transit system's Final Environmental Impact Statement, or FEIS, advancing the light rail program's planning and moving it closer to securing needed federal grants.

Quote of note: "Completing the Final Environmental Impact Statement and earning the FTA’s Record of Decision in under two years is a major achievement for Austin Transit Partnership and the community we serve,” ATP CEO Greg Canally said in a statement.

Austin's rail became the first major transit initiative to finish its FEIS within a federal guideline of two years, according to the ATP.

Austin ISD has again asked self-driving car company Waymo to cease its operations during morning and afternoon school bus hours.

The big picture: The district has reported 24 school bus traffic violations by Waymo vehicles this school year. Four of these incidents occurred after Waymo issued a voluntary software recall in early December amid a federal investigation into the company by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What happened: During the week of Dec. 8, Waymo issued a voluntary software recall for its autonomous vehicles after AISD recorded 20 incidents of Waymo cars illegally passing district buses, averaging 1.5 violations a week, according to a letter from AISD to Waymo.

The update: As of Jan. 14, the district had recorded 24 school bus traffic violations by Waymo vehicles this school year, an AISD spokesperson said. Since Waymo announced its December software recall, the district recorded violations from Waymo vehicles Dec. 11, 12 and 19 as well as Jan. 12, according to AISD information.

Check out the top six trending stories in the Austin area for Jan. 12-15. 

1. Round Rock council gives initial go-ahead for speed limit reduction on Greenlawn Boulevard

2. LongHorn Steakhouse saddles up for Bastrop opening

3. Tunnels complete for Lake Travis deep-water intake project

4. Updates on 8 current and future transportation projects in Georgetown

5. Check out 13 of Leander’s latest launches, leavings and local leaps

6. From Thai food to beer: Check out 6 business updates in Dripping Springs

Laurie Brown and Angie Unger are seeking votes in the Democratic primary election for Hays County Precinct 4 commissioner. The incumbent, Walt Smith, has served the county since 2018 and is not running for reelection.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face the winner of the Republican primary in the general election to determine who will serve as Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 4.

What you need to know

• Tuesday, Feb. 17: first day of early voting in person
• Friday, Feb. 20: application for ballot by mail deadline (received in the Elections office, not postmarked)
• Friday, Feb. 27: last day of early voting in person
• Tuesday, March 3: election day

Two candidates are facing off in the Republican primary election for Hays County commissioner, Precinct 4.

On the ballot: WM. Travis Crow and Rob McClelland are competing for a spot on the ballot in November. A candidate must receive over 50% of the votes to win; if this doesn’t happen, a runoff election will be held May 26.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face the winner of the Republican primary in the general election, and the winner will serve as Hays County commissioner for Precinct 4.

What you need to know

• Tuesday, Feb. 17: first day of early voting in person
• Friday, Feb. 20: application for ballot by mail deadline (received in the Elections office, not postmarked)
• Friday, Feb. 27: last day of early voting in person
• Tuesday, March 3: election day