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Hays County invites residents to Southwest Connector open house in Dripping Springs

Residents in Hays County may soon see upgrades to transportation infrastructure. County officials will host a public meeting in August to receive resident feedback.

The big picture: County officials are moving forward with the planning and design for a roadway proposed southwest of Dripping Springs. The project is intended to address future transportation needs, roadway capacity and connectivity as the region grows, according to a news release.

The project proposes constructing segments through Precincts 3 and 4.

The details: The open house will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center in August. Community members can review project information and provide feedback by speaking directly with the project team.

Those unable to attend in person can review materials and provide feedback online through Aug. 20.

  • Aug. 6, 4:30-7 p.m.
  • Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs
 
On The Transportation Beat
Oak Hill Parkway, I-35: 3 Southwest Austin transportation updates

The ongoing infrastructure projects in Austin, including Oak Hill Parkway reconstruction, William Cannon Drive intersection improvements and the I-35 Capital Express South Project, aim to enhance roadway safety, efficiency and accessibility for vehicles and pedestrians.

Ongoing projects
Oak Hill Parkway: The Texas Department of Transportation is currently reconstructing Hwy. 290 in Oak Hill, transforming the existing four-lane, undivided roadway to a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and 14 miles of shared-use paths.

William Cannon Drive at Bluff Springs Road intersection improvements: Intersection improvements will improve safety and address pavement concerns. The intersection will be replaced with concrete, which lasts longer than asphalt. The project also includes Americans with Disabilities Act improvements.

I-35 Capital Express South Project: The project will add two high-occupancy-vehicle, or HOV, lanes in each direction along I-35 between SH 71/Ben White Boulevard and SH 45 Southeast. 

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo

Sunset Movie Series

July 28-Aug. 1, times vary
Bastrop

July 31, 8 p.m.
Georgetown

More info

More info

 

Summer Stock Austin’s “Newsies”

Hays County Back to School Health Fair

July 31-Aug. 9
Austin

Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
San Marcos

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Latest News
Hays County and local cities vote on proposed $15M appraisal district facility

The Hays County Central Appraisal District, or Hays CAD, certifies the appraisal roll each year for a large number of taxing entities, allowing the county and local cities to establish tax rates and prepare budgets.

The district requested additional funding from its taxing entities to purchase land and construct an improved office. Municipalities in the district have been voting on the request, many of which have submitted denials.

What’s happening: As a result of increased protests filed since 2019, the district determined it needs to expand its workforce, and the current facility can not accommodate it. The total cost of the land purchase and new office project would not exceed $15 million.

For the project to pass, three-quarters of the taxing entities within Hays CAD’s purview must approve the funding contributions.

The discussion: Multiple cities in the region have voted against the project’s current proposal, including Austin, Kyle and Buda. The Hays County Commissioners Court voted against the item during a July 7 meeting as well. The San Marcos City Council approved the request.

 

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Sierra Martin
Senior Editor

Heather Demere
General Manager

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