Bastrop County officials unveiled plans for a $140.5 million judicial complex designed to expand courtroom capacity and modernize justice system infrastructure to keep up with a growing population. 

The details: The Bastrop County Judicial Complex project is outlined in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2026-31, which was adopted Jan. 29. 

Approximately $10.5 million of the $140.5 million is budgeted for planning and architecture. 

“Population and demographic studies for Bastrop County continue to show projections for substantial growth,” according to the CIP. “As the population continues to increase, the demand for county services will also increase.”

Gregory Klaus has won the Republican nomination for Bastrop County judge, according to unofficial results for the March 3 primary election.

He led challenger Donald Loucks with approximately 63.8% of the vote, according to unofficial results.

Some background: Klaus is a lifelong Bastrop County resident with experience in county leadership and public service.

“I'm running again because I care about Bastrop County and the people who live here,” he previously told Community Impact. “As a lifelong resident, I believe there's still important work to do and I want to keep building on what we have already started.

The outlook: Klaus will face Dock Jackson in November. Jackson was the only Democratic candidate to file for March primaries, according to the Texas Secretary of State website.

Sarah Loucks is the Republican nominee for Bastrop County district clerk, according to unofficial results for the March 3 primary election.

She led her challengers—Holly Cox, Tamara "Tammy" Batot and Ward Northcutt—with 51.38% of the vote, according to unofficial results.

The outlook: Loucks will not have a challenger in November, as no Democratic candidate filed, according to the Texas Secretary of State website.

From new hangars at the Georgetown Executive Airport to a neighborhood amenity center and more, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro in the past week.

1. Cottonwood—30-inch Water Transmission Main: Contractors will install 6,366 linear feet of water line and replace 1,396 square yards of sidewalk as part of a city of Hutto project.

2. Triada Amenity Center: The Triada community could soon have a 4,721-square-foot amenity center with homeowners association offices, a lounge, a fitness center, a pump building, restrooms and storage space.

3. Hangars at Georgetown Airport: Four aircraft hangars, totaling 36,444 square feet, will be built at the Georgetown Executive Airport.

4. Valvoline: A 3,447-square-foot Cedar Park location for oil change services is on the way.

5. Taco Bell: Officials with the Irvine-based fast food restaurant plan to construct a 2,565-square-foot Leander location with a drive-thru.