Williamson County commissioners voted 3-2 to utilize $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act interest funds for the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter expansion at an Aug. 11 meeting.

What happened: Director of Animal Services Misty Valenta presented the proposal to commissioners at the meeting, saying that the additional $2 million will allow:

• Upgrading kennel materials to extend their lifespan and reduce maintenance costs
• Adding 12 additional dog kennels for population needs
• Prioritizing construction for animal housing
• Constructing a tower element required by the Georgetown Unified Development Code

A new business offering swimming lessons to adults and children as young as 6 months old is set to begin construction near the border of Georgetown and Round Rock later this year.

Latest update: A project filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows construction for the finish out of the space will begin in September and last through February 2028.

Learn more: Swim Studio offers weekly 30 minute lessons as well as 10-day bootcamps for ages 2 and up. The program will teach swimmers the four main swimming strokes, proper technique, and safety in and around water.

• 2960 FM 1460, Ste. 102, Georgetown

Check out the latest transportation updates across the Austin metro from local and state sources.

Upcoming projects

Bee Cave Parkway and Bee Cave Road pedestrian improvements
Project: Bee Cave Parkway and Bee Cave Road in Bee Cave will undergo pedestrian improvements including the construction of signals, crosswalks, sidewalks and ADA curb ramps.
Update: The final package of design documents will be completed in August.

• Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in March 2027

• Cost: $1.06 million

• Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation and the Bee Cave Development Corporation

Ongoing projects

Austin Avenue vehicular bridges
Project: This project includes reconstruction of two vehicular bridges crossing the San Gabriel River in Georgetown.
Update: The southbound Austin Avenue bridge decks were demolished starting in early June, and reconstruction will take approximately two months. The contractor will then do the northbound bridge decks.

• Timeline: 2024-27

• Cost: $12.8 million

• Funding sources: city of Georgetown, developer fees

Many Texas students began returning to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year in mid-August.

Here are five things Texans should know as the 2026-27 school year kicks off.

The details:

• 2026 school accountability ratings issued
• New rule impacts accountability-related school closures
• 100K students using new Texas Education Freedom Accounts
• Public school closures deepen across Texas
• Check out recent public education laws