Election
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
12 Hays County voters to consider $440M transportation bond highway from FM 1626 to I-35 in Travis County, and the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection project will align a new four-lane roadway. The impact Hays County’s tax rate for fiscal year 2024-25 was approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court at $0.35 per $100 valuation in property valuation on Sept. 17. If voters approve the bond, Hays County resi- Hays County residents can weigh in on the 2024 Hays County Transportation Program—a $440 million transportation bond—this November. As the county grows, Marti Reich, Hays County’s assistant director of transportation, said it will be “imperative” for drivers to get to their destinations safely. Ongoing road work Extensions The following includes Dripping Springs area projects that would be funded by the bond.
Roundabout
“The current infrastructure that we have does not support all the traffic that you’re [going to] be putting on a roadway with all these develop- ments,” Reich said. The big picture The bond will fund the construction, design and right of way needed for 35 projects across the county. The plan focuses on projects that will enhance safety, mobility and regional connectivity in Hays County, officials said. Bond projects in precincts 3 and 4 will give driv- ers an alternative route to I-35. The SH 45 South- west Extension project will extend the four-lane
dents would see a tax rate increase of $.02 per $100 valuation. This would result in an annual increase of about $80 for a $400,000 home—equating to a $7 monthly increase. Put in perspective The last road bond voters passed was in 2016 when the county population was 204,581. The population has increased to 280,486—or by about 37%—from 2016 to 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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The population is estimated to increase again by almost 85% by 2060, according to projections from the Texas Demographic Center.
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