Bastrop County adopted its Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2026-31 on Jan. 29 to keep pace with a growing population.

The details: The multiyear plan identifies immediate, short-term and long-term needs—$219 million in projects that include building and expansion, information technology upgrades, and county roads and bridges improvements, according to county documents.

“The [CIP] represents the county’s commitment to invest in our infrastructure while managing growth,” Jennifer Pacheco, county auditor, said in an email to the Bastrop County Commissioners Court. “A [collaborative] effort will ensure that capital funding will be allocated appropriately and implemented on projects that will provide the greatest benefit to the county.”

The details: With the CIP approved, the Bastrop County Commissioners Court will next consider a notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation during a Feb. 9 meeting—an agenda item that outlines $64 million in projects that will be funded in the first year of the plan, according to county documents.

From an upcoming steakhouse to a new wine bar and more, here are the latest business updates in the Bastrop-Cedar Creek area.

Now open: Pluto's Wine Bar
The bottle shop, restaurant and wine club will fill the former CC Wine and Co.

• Opened Jan. 8
• 924 Main St., Bastrop

• Opening Feb. 16
• Burleson Crossing East, 653 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop

• Opening TBD
• Burleson Crossing East, 663 W. Hwy. 71, Bastrop

Check out some of the top trending news stories from the Austin area, Feb. 2-5.

1. Williamson County breaks ground on $132M Hero Way, RM 2243 expansion

2. Ridge Crossing retail project now under construction

3. New hotel, Big Air trampoline park to open off Hero Way

4. Georgetown Sleep Center closes permanently

5. PopStroke eyes spring opening for new Cedar Park venture

6. Major grocery chain to build convenience store in San Marcos

Samsung Austin Semiconductor celebrated its 30th anniversary Feb. 2, an official with the company confirmed.

Samsung came to Austin and began planning for its semiconductor manufacturing facility off Parmer Lane in 1996.

The history: Over the last 30 years, Samsung Austin Semiconductor has opened two fabrication units at its Austin campus. Construction on the first was finished in July 1997, followed by the second in 2007, according to a timeline on the company’s website.

The site has evolved throughout the years to produce more advanced semiconductor technology, the timeline shows.

In 2024, Samsung Austin Semiconductor contributed $19.8 billion in economic impact to the greater Central Texas area, according to data from the company. This includes operations of the Austin fabrication units and construction of the Taylor manufacturing facility.

What else? Samsung Austin Semiconductor moved employees into the office building at its new Taylor campus in November.

The fabrication facility in Taylor will be operational by the end of 2026, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

• 12100 Samsung Blvd., Austin; 1530 FM 973, Taylor

Texas gained more new residents last year than any other U.S. state, recently released U.S. Census Bureau data shows. Yet the Lone Star State’s overall population growth slowed significantly amid a nationwide reduction in immigration from other countries.

The big picture: Texas grew by 391,243 residents in 2025, bringing the state’s total population to 31.7 million. This includes:

• Domestic migration: Over 67,000 people moved to Texas from other states.
• International migration: Over 167,000 people moved to Texas from other countries.
• Natural change: There were roughly 157,000 more births than deaths in Texas.