Development
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
100-mile Texas Bicentennial Trail community survey underway
The Texas Bicentennial Trail, formerly known as the Great Springs Trail, is on track to nish in time for the 200th anniversary of Texas’ independence in early 2036. A recently launched community input survey is underway to nalize plans for the 100-mile trail route, that will run from the State Capitol to the Alamo—passing through San Marcos Springs. Spearheaded by the Great Springs Project, a nonpro t whose goals are to protect land above the Edwards Aquifer, the hike-and-bike trail will pass through four major Central Texas springs, including San Marcos, San Antonio, Comal and Barton. The trail’s new name and timeline were recently established under House Bill 4230, authored by Rep. Will Metcalf with a companion bill, SB 1520,
2 Great Springs trail corridor When nished, the trail will connect four key springs along the Edwards Aquifer. 1 Barton Springs 2 San Marcos Springs 3 Comal Springs 4 Blue Hole
Austin
1
130 TOLL
MOPAC
San Marcos
35
Spring Lake is lled by the San Marcos Springs—one of the locations planned for the trail.
80
New Braunfels
3
46
4
by Sen. Donna Campbell. The law took e ect Sept. 1 and requires the project to be completed by Jan. 1, 2036.
San Antonio
1604
123
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
Some context
A closer look
A survey for the already-routed trail was recently launched to identify the priorities of nearby communities, including San Marcos, Buda and Kyle. A collaboration between the Great Springs Project and the Texas Department of Transportation, the Great Springs Project Corridor Study o ers three layers of input, including: • What residents want to see on them • Which are the top priority for residents • How residents plan to use it The study can be accessed through December 2026 on the GSP website at www.greatsprings.trailstudy.com.
Hays County’s connection surrounds San Marcos Springs—headwaters of the San Marcos River on the Texas State University campus. The trail will also rely on existing segments within San Marcos, such as the Dante Trail in Purgatory Creek Natural Area and Limestone Link—a 1.3- mile trail segment completed April 9. O cials estimated about 40 miles of the trail have been completed, 30 miles have been acquired and another 30 still need to be obtained. According to HB 4230, eminent domain cannot be used for the trail routes.
“The Texas Bicentennial Trail will showcase the beauty, character and independence of the
State of Texas and provide signi cant economic impact.” WILL METCALF, HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE
When learning is fun, it lasts a lifetime. Now Enrolling! Infants, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K & After School
Primrose School of Kyle 737.351.7701 | PrimroseKyle.com
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook