COUNTY NEWS
by Ann Marie Kennon
Williamson County's Upcoming Bond Election What You Need to Know TXDOT AND WILCO BREAK GROUND ON FM 3349 AT US 79 IMPROVEMENTS, OCT 2022 (IMAGE CREDIT: WILCO.ORG)
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design to full construction in all four precincts.
he Citizens Bond Committee of Williamson County, chaired by Georgetown’s David Hays, was formed to assess the necessity of a bond election aimed at enhancing roadways and park facilities. The committee held six public meetings across the county seeking input from a dozen cities in the county, municipal utility districts, county staff, the YMCA, and other partners. David reported all six meetings were well attended and there was no opposition to the committee’s proposals. The committee advised holding an election for road projects valued at approximately $1.68 billion and park projects totaling slightly more than $78.9 million (facing page). After reviewing, the Commissioners Court proposed last month that residents should be given the opportunity to vote to issue the bonds. Committee members narrowed down the project list, allocating $825 million for roads and $59 million for parks projects, all of which share a focus on safety and mobility. There are 38 road projects named in the order, ranging from right-of-way acquisitions to 8
“The cost of projects in urban areas like Georgetown and Cedar Park has escalated considerably due to increased traffic, and the number of projects exceeding $100M caught my attention," David said. Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long added, "As Williamson County’s tremendous growth continues, traffic challenges increase. Failing to enhance our roadway infrastructure to meet the demands created by additional residences and vehicles will reduce mobility and impact families' safety and commuting time to schools, activities, work and appointments." David noted this vote represents a better financial balance than the previous county transportation bond as the cost of materials has begun to come down following the supply chain challenges we experienced during the pandemic.
MUNICIPAL VIEWPOINTS Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan emphasized the collaborative efforts Williamson County and its
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cities have made towards enhancing mobility. He pointed out, "We are fortunate because, unlike Travis County, which only offers two entry and exit points, Williamson County has excelled in fostering connectivity across the county." Consequently, he said, many individuals choose to and are able to live, work, and play in their respective cities. "This bond is pivotal for our businesses, residents, and visitors. Growth is inevitable, and denial only results in playing catch-up later. Thankfully, we're already a step ahead." Commissioner Long is similarly pleased that the proposed Liberty Hill bypass, pending approval, will offer a convenient alternative for local eastbound commuters. This will allow travelers to head south on Bagdad Road without passing through the downtown area. Funding for the initial phase of this bypass was sanctioned by voters as part of the 2019 bond program. Speaking on the broader scope of projects, Commissioner Long stated, "Williamson County is among the fastest-expanding counties in the nation. The Williamson County Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), established in
