Catch up on major government news coming out of San Marcos, Buda and Hays County, including future projects and programs.

1. San Marcos spends $1.68M for airport expansion: The U.S. General Services Administration announced the transfer of over 240 acres of land in San Marcos on Feb. 5. A portion of the land was sold to the city of San Marcos earlier this year for $1.68 million, removing it from the federal inventory.

2. Buda EDC to offer interest-free loan program: The Buda Economic Development Corporation is set to launch a program offering small businesses in the city interest-free loans.

3. Animal shelter, new offices: Hays County OKs $100M in projects: The Hays County Commissioners’ Court authorized the issuance of certificates of obligation to fund major county projects at a Jan. 20 meeting.

Plans are underway for a $75,000 remodel of the temporarily closed Le Creuset Outlet Store in San Marcos.

The interior upgrades are set to begin in March and end in late April.

What they offer: Le Creuset carries enameled cast iron and stainless cookware, bakeware, bar tools and more.

• Tanger Outlet Center, 4015 S. I-35, Ste. 730, San Marcos

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, or TWPC, has approved $21.2 million to help create and improve outdoor recreational areas in over 40 communities across Texas.

The big picture: The grants are awarded through the agency’s local park grants program. The program requires a 50% local match from participating governments and mandates that funded sites remain public parkland in perpetuity, according to a news release Jan. 30.

Once completed, the projects are expected to add or enhance amenities at approximately 50 community parks statewide. Planned improvements include nature trails, native landscaping, playgrounds, splash pads, sports fields, kayak launches, piers and other outdoor recreation features, according to the release.

The grants are designed to expand access to outdoor recreation while helping local governments develop and maintain high-quality park spaces. All funded parks must be properly maintained and remain open to the public, according to the TWPC website.

TPWC administers grants based on community size and project scope, according to the release.

From a Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient facility to a new McDonald’s and more, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Round Rock: The Department of Veterans Affairs will construct an outpatient facility with a dedicated parking lot for visitors and staff, as well as a service access area in Round Rock.

2. Pflugerville: Two office warehouse buildings, totaling 68,924 square feet, will be built by Workhub Developments to accommodate start-up and flex space for businesses

3. Buda: Illinois-based collision repair provider Crash Champions will build a 15,131-square-foot garage and office space constructed from a pre-engineered metal building.

4. Cedar Park: Another McDonald’s will bring its popular menu items, such as the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder, to the Bell District.

5. Austin: A 6,445-square-foot QuikTrip will soon fuel up South Austin, bringing a full-service pumping station alongside a made-to-order kitchen with grab-and-go options.

In the upcoming March 3 primary elections, Texas voters will have the opportunity to nominate their chosen candidates for the November midterm election. From top state officials to county commissioners, primary elections shape who is ultimately elected to dozens of seats, driving the future direction of the Lone Star State.

Yet less than one-fifth of registered Texas voters participated in recent primary elections, data from the secretary of state’s office shows.

The big picture: March Matters, a group that works to get more Texans to the primary polls, found that 146 of Texas’ 150 state House races were effectively decided during the 2022 primaries, with just four competitive seats during that year’s midterm election.

Data also shows that primary voters tend to be older and represent the more extreme wings of their political parties.

What they're saying: "When primary voter turnout is so small, when only a fraction of voters are voting, your vote counts more,” said Mark Strama, who leads the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at the University of Texas.