Leander - Liberty Hill Edition | February 2024

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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10 FEB. 16MARCH 14, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Crews continue construction work on Centro Plaza, a nearly 150,000 square-foot retail center along the frontage of Ronald Reagan Boulevard.

ZACHARIA WASHINGTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Development drives growth on two key corridors

work, live and shop all in the same place. “We have been a bedroom community for a long time, but that’s changing,” Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin said.

every block of New Hope Drive and Ronald Reagan Boulevard in recent years. The developments are part of a decade-long eort by both cities to transform from suburbs of Austin into self-sucient hubs where residents can

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Undeveloped land along two major roadways connecting Cedar Park and Leander has seen interest from developers and businesses, with new commercial construction sprouting up on nearly

CONTINUED ON 31

Also in this issue

Impacts: Brito's brings modern street food to Leander (Page 6)

Election: See who is on the ballot for the March primaries (Page 10)

Government: Leander enters Stage 4 water restrictions (Page 23)

Business: Blow Candle Co. oers custom workshops (Page 36)

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez April Kelley Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

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Impacts

3 Nervous Charlie’s The Austin-based bagel shop sells a variety of bagels made using dough shipped from New York City. The shop also offers several cream cheese flavors, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches on bagels. • Opened in mid-October • 410 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 300, Cedar Park • www.nervouscharlies.com 4 Niva Dental Specialists Owned and led by oral surgeon Dr. Shouvik Ponnusamy, the practice performs wisdom teeth removal, dental implants and facial cosmetics. • Opened Jan. 9 • 15141 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 516, Leander • www.nivads.com 5 Tropical Smoothie Cafe The cafe serves smoothies alongside flatbreads, wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas and salads. Mike and Kara Sheppard are the franchisees for the location. • Opened Jan. 19 • 19388 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 620, Georgetown • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com 6 MOD Pizza Pizza at the fast-casual restaurant can be customized with 40 toppings and eight sauces. • Opened Nov. 20 • 19388 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 600, Georgetown • www.modpizza.com 7 Five Below The retailer sells room decor, children’s toys, games, tech accessories, snacks, and arts and crafts, usually for prices ranging from $1-$5. • Opened Feb. 9 • 5001 183A Toll, Ste. J-100, Cedar Park • www.fivebelow.com 8 Cryofit The business offers cryotherapy, which is meant to reduce inflammation in the body; red-light therapy; and IV therapy for hydration, relaxation and immunity. • Opened Oct. 2

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VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

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45 TOLL

WINDY TERRACE

620

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Cedar Park & Leander

• 1201 Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 900, Cedar Park • www.doshermanoscafetexmex.com

Now open

2 Taco Chango Owned by Carlos Trevizo, the food truck serves homestyle Mexican food including gorditas, flautas and the food truck’s signature dish: a Taco Chango plate, which is a Mexican-style crunchy taco. • Opened Dec. 18 • 12900 Trails End Road, Leander • www.facebook.com/tacochangotacos

1 Dos Hermanos Cafe & Tex Mex The eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner options including burritos, tacos and enchiladas. The restaurant opened in the former Gloria’s Cafe & Bakery location. • Opened Jan. 25

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 700 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 203, Cedar Park • www.mycryofit.com

Now open

Coming soon

9 Delta Days Botanical Apothecary Owner James Brunk said the store sells CBD oils, hemp, delta-8 products and hypoallergenic skin care. • Opened Jan. 28 • 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 704, Cedar Park • www.delta-days.com

Coming soon

10 Del’s Lemonade The Rhode-Island based company offers frozen lemonade in a variety of fruit flavors. The location is owned by Cedar Park residents Steve and Trish D’Amico. • Opening in March • 1525 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park • www.dels.com 11 Parinama Academy The education startup offers after-school tutoring programs in English, math, chess and coding, as well as prep programs for the SAT and ACT. • Opening in April • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 406, Leander • https://parinama.academy 12 Smoothie King The national brand selling smoothies with additions, such as coffee, protein powder and probiotics, will open at the new Southbrook Station shopping center. • Opening this summer

14 Brito’s The food truck serving modern street food with Venezuelan influences features menu items including arepa and bao with a variety of fillings, as well as caramelized French toast, a brioche burger and garlic potatoes. Located at Wildfire Park, the scratch kitchen, which makes its bread in-house, is owned by Jose Brito and Lucrecia Federico. • Opened Nov. 24 • 209 W. Broade St., Leander • Instagram: britos.atx

17 KindFolk Apothecary & Wellness The holistic natural medicine shop selling specialty teas, liquid supplements, balms and herbs will open its first brick-and-mortar location. Currently operating online, the business, which is locally owned by Claire Pyott and Jenae Catbagan, will also offer private consultations, educational workshops and events. • Opening before summer • 901 N. Vista Ridge, Ste. 300, Cedar Park • www.kindfolkapothecary.com

• 15101 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 100, Leander • www.shipleydonuts.com

In the news

15 Cava Construction on the fast-casual Mediterranean chain is slated to finish in September at the new Southbrook Station retail center, per a project registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 128 S. Brook Drive, Ste. 100, Leander • www.cava.com 16 Shipley Do-Nuts A storefront serving doughnuts, kolaches and coffee will be completed in October, per a project registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Closings

• 4791 Hwy. 183, Leander • www.smoothieking.com

18 Bent Oak Winery After eight years, the winery’s tasting room closed following the retirement of its owners Debbie Bruce, Audrey Catalano, Marilee Catalano and CEO John Catalano. Online sales and pickup orders will continue until new ownership takes over. • Closed Feb. 5 • 2000 Windy Terrace, Bldg. 2-B, Cedar Park • www.bentoakwinery.com

Relocations

13 FitDel The cardio fitness equipment company moved its headquarters from Round Rock. • Relocated in December • 720 S. Bell Blvd., Ste. 1B, Cedar Park • www.fitdel.com

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LandseaHomes.com/Lariat © 2024 Landsea Homes Corporation. LANDSEA® and LIVE IN YOUR ELEMENT® are federally registered trademarks of Landsea. Plans, pricing, product information, square footage, amenities and community/neighborhood information are subject to change without notice or obligation. Photographs, renderings and floor plans are for representational purposes only and may not reflect the exact features or dimensions of your home. Square footage is approximate. Home(s) shown do not represent actual homesites for sale. Some features and options shown may not be offered in your community. Please see the actual purchase agreement for additional information, disclosures and disclaimers relating to your home and its features. All rights reserved and strictly enforced. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. Please consult a Landsea Homes sales representative for details.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

BY CLAIRE SHOOP, ZACHARIA WASHINGTON & CHLOE YOUNG

Now open

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5 Michelle’s Patisserie The bakery, owned by Michelle Doyon, specializes in tea parties, custom cakes, wedding cakes and an assortment of desserts as well as catering options, such as “Taste of Asia” and “Taste of Summer.” This is the second location for the bakery, with the original storefront at 12233 N. RM 620, Ste. 114, Austin. • Opened Jan. 25 • 1908 Main St., Liberty Hill • www.michellespatisserie.com

Liberty Hill

trimming, ear cleaning, paw care and de-shed treatments. • Opened in January • 14370 Hwy. 29, Ste. 4, Liberty Hill • www.dogwashspa.com

Now open

1 Forrest Coffee House Owned by couples Justin and Tina McGuire, and Nathan and Rachel Curley, the business offers coffee, tea, beer, wine and appetizer-style shareables. • Opened Feb. 2 • 103 Forest St., Liberty Hill • www.forrest.coffee 2 Cornerstone Chiropractic Center The practice offers general chiropractic care with a focus on posture correction as well as treatment for athletic injuries. Owner Walt Scott has more than 18 years of chiropractic experience. • Opened Jan. 28 • 201 St. Joseph Court, Ste. 120, Liberty Hill • www.cornerstonechirocare.com

Moms I Like to Feed Meals The meal prep service delivers healthy, family-style meals that are gluten-, dairy-, soy- and nut-free. Brittany Sarkisian opened a kitchen in Georgetown after moving to the area. • Opened Jan. 22 • www.momsiliketofeedmeals.com

In the news

6 Olive & Sage Boutique The boutique is now owned by Jessica Willis and Erika Waters, who held a reopening Jan. 20. The boutique sells women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and more. • 201 St. Joseph Court, Ste. 510, Liberty Hill • www.oliveandsagebtq.com The city of Liberty Hill The city celebrated 25 years since it was incorporated Jan. 16, 1999. To mark the anniversary, the city is taking online applications through March 1 for submissions to a

Coming soon

4 Mr. Gatti’s Pizza The menu will include pizza and desserts whipped up with daily homemade dough as well as appetizers and salad. The upcoming Liberty Hill location is owned by Bill Pohl and Jennifer Jensen. • Opening this spring • 13740 Hwy. 29, Ste. 7, Liberty Hill • www.mrgattispizza.com

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Election

Voter Guide

2024

To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY

R Republican

D Democrat

*Incumbent

Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 D DaSean Jones D Randy Sarosdy Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* R Brian Walker Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 D Bonnie Lee Goldstein D Joe Pool Presiding judge, Court of Criminal Appeals R Sharon Keller* R David J. Schenck Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 7 R Barbara Parker Hervey* R Gina Parker Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 8 R Lee Finley R Michelle Slaughter*

D Frankie Lozada D Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato

Dates to know

D Dean Phillips D Cenk Uygur D Marianne Williamson State elections U.S. Senator R Ted Cruz* R Holland “Redd” Gibson R R.E. “Rufus” Lopez D A. “Robert” Hassan D Carl Oscar Sherman D Colin Allred D Heli Rodriguez Prilliman D Mark Gonzalez D Meri Gomez D Roland Gutierrez D Steven J. Keough D Thierry Tchenko Railroad commissioner R Christie Clark R Christi Craddick* R Corey Howell R James “Jim” Matlock R Petra Reyes D Bill Burch D Katherine Culbert

Feb. 5: Last day to register to vote Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 1: Last day of early voting March 5: Election day

Where to vote

Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. For a list of polling locations in the Leander, Liberty Hill and Cedar Park area, see Page 12.

Sample ballot

Federal election U.S. President R Ryan L. Binkley R Chris Christie R Ron DeSantis R Nikki Haley R Asa Hutchinson

Local elections U.S. Representative, District 10

R Vivek Ramaswamy R David Stuckenberg R Donald J. Trump D Joseph R. Biden, Jr.* D Gabriel A. Cornejo D Star Locke

R Michael T. McCaul* R Jared B. Lovelace D Theresa Boisseau D Keith McPhail

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

U.S. Representative, District 31 R Mike Williams R Mack Latimer R John Carnan Anderson

State Representative, District 20 R Elva Janine Chapa R Terry M. Wilson* State Representative, District 52 D Jennie Birkholz D Angel Carroll 3rd Court of Appeals judge, Place 2 D Maggie Ellis D Edward Smith* D Melissa Lorber 3rd Court of Appeals judge, Place 5 D Thomas J. Baker* D Karin Crump District Judge, 353rd Judicial District D Sherine Thomas D Susana Castillo D Madeleine Connor* District Attorney, 53rd Judicial District D José Garza* D Jeremy Sylestine

Williamson County commissioner, Precinct 3 R Valerie Covey* R Mitch Slaymaker Williamson County constable, Precinct 3

R John Carter* R William Abel R Abhiram Garapati

R Bert Witcher R Kevin Wilkie R Deke G. Pierce Williamson County chair

D Stuart Whitlow D Rick Von Pfeil D Brian Walbridge State Board of Education member, District 10

R Michelle Evans R Michael Salvo

R ”DC” Caldwell I R Tom Maynard* R Mary Bone D Raquel Saenz Ortiz D ”DC” Caldwell I State Representative, District 19

R Kyle Biedermann R Manny Campos R Ellen Troxclair* D Dwain Handley D Zach Vance

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Election

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

First Baptist Church Leander 10000 FM 2243, Leander

Deer Creek Elementary School 2420 Zeppelin Drive, Cedar Park Grandview Hills Elementary School 12024 Vista Parke Drive, Austin

Voting dates and times

Travis County Early voting will take place in Travis County according to the following schedule: Feb. 20-24, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 25, noon-6 p.m. Feb. 26-28, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 29-March 1, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.* *Extended hours at some early voting polling locations are until 10 p.m. Williamson County Early voting will take place in Williamson County according to the following schedule: Feb. 20-23, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex 10211 W. Parmer Lane, Austin Leander Church of Christ 300 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander Leander Public Library Annex* 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander Liberty Hill ISD Gym Annex* 301 Forest St., Liberty Hill Pat Bryson Municipal Hall 201 N. Brushy St., Leander Pinballz Lake Creek 13729 Research Blvd., Austin Randalls* 1400 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park Rattan Creek Community Center 7617 Elkhorn Mountain Trail, Austin Rock Pointe Church 170 CR 214, Liberty Hill Running Brushy Middle School 2303 N. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park Santa Rita Ranch-Ranch House 175 Elizabeth Park Blvd., Liberty Hill Spicewood Springs Branch Library 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin VFW Post 10427 8760 FM 2243, Leander Wiley Middle School 1526 Raider Way, Leander

Peace Lutheran Church 10625 N. RM 620, Austin Round Mountain Baptist Church 14500 Round Mountain Road, Leander Round Rock ISD Hartfield Performing Arts Center* 5800 McNeil Drive, Austin

Spicewood Springs Branch Library 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin Unity Church of the Hills* 9905 Anderson Mill Road, Austin

Feb. 24, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 25, noon-6 p.m. Feb. 26-March 1, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

YMCA Northwest Branch 5807 McNeil Drive, Austin

Election day is March 5. Voting hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide.

Williamson County Anderson Mill Limited District* 11500 El Salido Parkway, Austin Austin Sports Center 1420 Toro Grande Blvd., Cedar Park Bethany United Methodist Church 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin Cedar Park Middle School 2100 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park Cedar Park Recreation Center* 1435 Main St., Cedar Park Cox Elementary School 1001 Brushy Creek Road, Austin Danielson Middle School 1061 Collaborative Way, Leander

Polling locations

Voters in both Travis County and Williamson County can cast a ballot at any polling location in the county in which they are registered to vote. The following noncomprehensive list includes polling locations throughout Far Northwest Austin, Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill. *EARLY VOTING LOCATION. ALL EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS LISTED IN TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTIES ARE ALSO OPEN ON ELECTION DAY. Travis County Christ Episcopal Church* 3520 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park

Community Center at Jonestown 18649 RM 1431, Ste. 6A, Jonestown

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY GRANT CRAWFORD

*INCUMBENT

Williamson County Precinct 3 Commissioner, Republican Party

Why are you running for Precinct 3 County Commissioner? I am seeking re-election to continue the work that I’ve been engaged in since 2006. Several areas have required signicant involvement and direction, including transportation needs, mental health, the regional animal shelter and the Williamson County Conservation Foundation, where we balance endangered species concerns with development. I will continue to use my skills as a CPA to balance the budget, provide resources in a growing county while maintaining a low tax rate and AAA bond rating. First and foremost, the men and women of [Williamson County Deputies Association] asked me to lend my expertise to this position in order to help them protect the frontlines of our beloved county. That is one facet of my desire to serve. I have been a public servant my entire life and know what it means to be humble enough to understand my position only exists at the will of those I serve. I’m also a believer in term limits to ensure that one’s view is fresh, pure, and in line with that of his constituents.

How should the county manage increased growth in both population and industry? Counties’ authority to regulate development is limited. Counties have no zoning authority or ability to deny permits if the county’s rules are followed. However, we should continue to plan for growth by coordinating with municipalities in the development of WilCo’s [Long Range Transportation Plan]. I have been engaged in implementing WilCo’s strategic plan which emphasizes core duties. We can also encourage certain industries that would provide good-paying jobs and shorter commutes. Managing this explosive growth within our county is not easy but we must be ever vigilant on holding all stakeholders accountable to deadlines and consequences for not meeting them. We must have a clear mutual expectation of results going into any contract. Focus on attracting American-made and -maintained industries to build and develop in Williamson County.

Valerie Covey* Occupation: Certied Public Accountant Relevant experience: Precinct 3 County Commissioner, CPA www.valeriecovey.com

Mitch Slaymaker Occupation: Former Brownwood Police Department sergeant, former president of Texas Municipal Police Association Relevant experience: Law enforcement

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 100 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

This is not a time for political silence.

Elect me and we will fight to restore faith in the Texas version of the American Dream.

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Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

ACC proposes free tuition for high school seniors Pending the outcome of a proposal from its new chancellor, some enrolled and prospective Austin Community College students could soon qualify for free tuition. What’s happening? In February, ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart will propose to the college system’s board of trustees a measure to create a zero-cost tuition program for high school seniors, with the goal of expanding the program to include students at all levels who live in the college system’s service area. If approved, it will go into effect this fall, a Jan. 10 release from ACC states. In October, Lowery-Hart described the commu- nity college’s affordability as its source of power and importance as a regional education partner. ACC has not increased tuition rates in the last decade.

LISD board rejects attendance zones

How it works Under the program, $85 per credit hour would be funded for each student for a period of three years, covering several fees paid by students: Resident tuition $67 General fee $15 Success fee $2 Sustainability fee $1 $85 per credit hour allocations Fees that would not be covered include: • Out-of-district fees • Tuition for nonresident and international students • Course- and program-specific fees • Textbook costs

Leander ISD trustees voted against admin- istration’s zoning recommendation for Ele- mentary School No. 30 at a Jan. 18 meeting. The vote comes after a monthslong process that began in September and included three zoning proposals, community feedback and multiple district meetings. The outlook Four of the six board members present voted in opposition due to concerns that the recommended zoning scenario increased the functional capacity at North Elementary, underutilized Elementary School No. 30 and overutilized Whitestone Elementary. Leander ISD released a fourth zoning sce- nario for Elementary School No. 30 in early February, accounting for updated functional capacities at elementary campuses.

SOURCE: AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

About the program High school seniors could receive up to three years of free tuition, with enrolled ACC students qualifying for two years, the release states. Funds for the program would come from monies already available within the college system’s budget.

District adopts overview policy for police department The Leander ISD board of trustees made prog- ress toward building its own police department by adopting a new policy at its Jan. 18 meeting.

Police officer authority

• Protect people and property in the district • Enforce laws and serve search warrants • Arrest suspects • Collaborate with other law enforcement agencies

Also of note According to the policy, the police chief will develop regulations to prevent racial profiling. Additionally, use of force will only be authorized when reasonable and necessary. Parents or students may request body camera footage and video recordings from vehicles in response to disciplinary action.

The policy provides more details on the depart- ment, including police officer authority, training and regulations, and comes as the district is work- ing on an application to create the department with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

• Enforce and investigate violations of district rules, regulations and policies • Carry weapons • Fulfill all other duties as directed by the police chief or superintendent

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Liberty Hill ISD high schools to operate on A/B block schedule The district’s board of trustees voted to adopt an A/B block schedule for Liberty Hill and Legacy Ranch high schools at a Jan. 22 meeting. Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, students will attend four classes for at least 90 minutes each instead of the eight 45-minute classes students attend currently, LHISD Chief of Schools Travis Motal said. The cost While district officials previously expressed concerns about whether the district could afford an additional $1.38 million to implement a block schedule, the district lowered costs to $264,000 by increasing its average class size from 22 to 25 students per teacher, Motal said.

Liberty Hill ISD adopts academic calendar The 2024-25 academic calendar—approved by the Liberty Hill ISD board of trustees Jan. 22—includes more staff development days spread throughout the year, allowing for several four-day school weeks and extended weekends for students, Chief of Schools Travis Motal said. Zooming in The calendar includes the following key dates: • First day of school: Aug. 14 • Thanksgiving break: Nov. 25-29 • Winter break: Dec. 19 (early release); Dec. 20-Jan. 6 • Spring break: March 17-21 • Last day of school: May 22 (early release)

Block schedule breakdown Increasing the average class size will allow the district to hire fewer additional teachers to implement a block schedule.

Previous proposal

Approved proposal

Class size

22 students

25 students

Additional teachers needed

Cost

$1.38 million $264,000

SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

How we got here Almost 84% of surveyed teachers at Liberty Hill High School voted to switch from the current eight period schedule to an A/B block schedule, Motal said at a Dec. 18 meeting. Teachers favored having fewer transitions each day, an easier daily work- load and more time for instruction and homework in a previous survey.

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

What to know about the new FAFSA

Quotes of note

Higher Education Coordinating Board pushed its priority financial aid application deadline to March 15, but individual schools may offer aid on a first-come, first-served basis. The Department said it would begin sending information from completed FAFSAs to schools in late January. Applicants will answer less than 50 questions for the new FAFSA, down from 108. The form takes around an hour to complete, but some people may answer as few as 18 questions depending on their individual circumstances. Officials said 610,000 more students from low-income backgrounds will qualify for federal Pell Grants. This includes over 51,000 Texans, the department of education reported.

Current and prospective college students applying for financial aid will likely have a more streamlined experience with the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Mandated by Congress, the new form includes fewer questions and a new formula to determine aid eligibility. The U.S. Department of Education launched the redesigned application in late December— nearly three months later than normal—and it is now available online 24/7. Over 1 million students nationwide had completed the FAFSA by Jan. 8, officials said. Students must fill out the form to qualify for federal student loans, grants, work-study programs and some scholarships. The Texas

“Financial aid is extremely important, particularly in this day and age, with the high cost of education. So you’re going to have to be an educated consumer.” JACK WALLACE, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS FOR YREFY, A STUDENT LOAN REFINANCE COMPANY

“We have heard from students and families that the new FAFSA form is a better experience that’s easier to complete. We will continue to communicate directly with students, families and schools about how they can access the maximum support available to them to pursue their higher education dreams.” RICHARD CORDRAY, FEDERAL STUDENT AID CHIEF

A streamlined application process

The 2024-25 FAFSA was redesigned after Congress passed the FUTURE Act and the FAFSA Simplification Act. The new form is expected to be more user-friendly and take less time to fill out. Here are some key changes to the application: All “contributors,” including parents, stepparents and spouses, must provide financial information. Contributors will be identified based on a student’s answers on the form.

The Internal Revenue Service will transfer students’ and their families’ tax information directly to their FAFSA application.

Next steps

A new formula, called the Student Aid Index, will be used to determine applicants’ eligibility for financial aid.

The 2024-25 FAFSA will be available online through June 30, 2025, but many states and schools set earlier deadlines. Under Texas law, high school seniors are required to complete the FAFSA, a state financial aid application or an opt-out form to graduate. Future applications should open Oct. 1.

Applicants may list up to 20 colleges or universities on their application. They were previously limited to 10.

Families with multiple students in college will no longer qualify for extra aid, known as a “sibling discount.”

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Transportation

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON & CHLOE YOUNG

CR 258 extension opens near future LHISD school Williamson County and Liberty Hill ISD officials celebrated the opening of a new roadway allow- ing access to the future campus for Legacy Ranch High School. What happened County and district officials unveiled a $5.8 million extension of CR 258 from US 183 to Sunset Ridge Drive at a ceremony Jan. 4. The two-lane roadway features turn lanes into the entrance of the official Legacy Ranch High School campus, which is scheduled to open in 2026. The extended CR 258 now connects from US 183 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard and includes a connection to Questa Trail. What they’re saying LHISD Superintendent Steven Snell said it was important to the district to complete the road

GAREY PARK RD.

183

183A TOLL

183

ELDORADO PASS

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

258

2243

QUESTA TRAIL

Hero Way design nears completion

SUNSET RIDGE DR.

LEGACY RANCH HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS

ahead of the campus’ opening in 2026. The area is expected to see heightened traffic as Legacy Ranch will serve around 2,500 students once it is built out, Snell said. The new road’s impact goes beyond the district as drivers can now travel directly from US 183 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Williamson County Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said. “Those are two of our major north-south road- ways, so being able to easily connect between the two roads makes things easier for the traveling public,” she said.

Detailed design for the Hero Way road improvements project in Leander is now scheduled to wrap up this summer after initially being planned for completion by the end of 2023. The gist Phase 1 of the project—a three-lane frontage road from 183A to Garey Park and realignment to RM 2243—is anticipated to begin this fall, officials said.

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BY KATY MCAFEE

How did Austin get so many toll roads?

The actions taken

In 2003, House Bill 3588 passed, allowing regional mobility groups to build and operate toll roads. The passage allowed the CTRMA, which was created a year prior, to begin planning its rst toll road. In 2014 and 2015, two constitutional amend- ments dedicated more money from Texas’ oil, natural gas and sales tax to the state’s highway fund. The two amendments have provided billions more dollars to the state highway fund since their passage.

Without adequate nancial support from gas tax revenue, transportation leaders turned to toll roads as a solution. “In the early 2000s the commission said, ‘There’s got to be a better way to do this,’” Bass said. “One way we [did] that is by having our regional mobility authority go to the bond market [to] issue bonds, borrow money, and then collect the tolls and pay back that borrowed money over time.” The CTRMA has worked with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to build six toll roads through this process. The Texas Department of Transportation built the other four. Langmore said adding toll roads has gone “amazingly well,” as they’ve given drivers a faster option and generated enough surplus to build more roads in the past two decades.

As Austin’s population started to boom about 20 years ago, local transportation leaders recognized the need for more roadways connecting the region. Many roads were in a “lousy state of repair,” and the state did not have the money to x them or build new ones, said John Langmore, former board member of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. At the time, state road projects were funded solely through gas tax—a $0.20 per gallon tax Texans pay every time they’re at the pump. By the early 2000s, the gas tax wasn’t bringing in enough revenue to build all the needed infrastructure projects in Austin. Texas’ gas tax has not gone up since 1991, and it has lost nearly half its purchasing power due to ination, according to CTRMA documents. The growing number of electric vehicles and fuel- ecient cars have also limited gas tax revenue, CTRMA Executive Director James Bass said.

Texas Department of Transportation toll roads Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll roads

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority operates six of the 10 toll roads in the Austin area.

130 TOLL

COURTESY CTRMA

183A TOLL

183

45 TOLL

What’s next

130 TOLL

The CTRMA has a ve-year plan for potential roads it plans to bring to the Austin metro using surplus funding. Bass said the group is looking into adding one or two tolled lanes on MoPac, south of Lady Bird Lake. The CTRMA is also considering extending Hwy. 290 past Hwy. 130 to the east. The CTRMA could also use its surplus funding for nontolled transportation projects, such as shared-use paths or trails. “[We’ve] been at a growth stage, helping bring on new roadways and then stabilizing,” Bass said. “I think we’re close to being at that point of stabilizing, and then maybe bringing on additional roadways, but maybe not, depending upon what the region wants.”

620

Express lane

290

MOPAC

290 TOLL

360

183 TOLL

HAMILTON POOL RD.

130 TOLL

71 TOLL

290

45 TOLL

1826

150

183

45 TOLL

1626

LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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Government

BY CLAIRE SHOOP & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Local leaders will begin a long-term x to the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority’s underwater pipeline on Feb. 28. Ahead of the repairs, the city of Leander will move to Stage 4 water restrictions Feb. 12, ocials said. This prohibits outdoor watering and restricts all nonessential uses of water. The $6.7 million project requires replacing a 1,418-linear-foot section of the 36-inch pipeline that transports raw water from Lake Travis to the BCRUA treatment plant. The repair will require the entire plant to stop operations. Because of this, Leander’s overall capacity will be reduced from 24 million gallons per day to 9 MGD as the city will rely solely on the Sandy Creek Regional Water Plant, ocials said. “During this repair time, our water capacity is very restricted,” Leander Chief of Sta Mike Neu said. Leander restricts water for repair

The backstory

What to expect

Replacing the portion of the pipe is intended to prevent failures like the ones that occurred three times over the last three years.

In Leander, Phase 4 water conservation measures restrict all nonessential uses of water, including outdoor irrigation. Everyday water uses, such as drinking, bathing and washing clothes and dishes, are allowed. City ocials are also asking Leander water customers to delay landscaping improvements as those often require extra watering. Neu said, unlike other cities in the BCRUA partnership, Leander receives the majority of its treated water from the BCRUA. Cedar Park ocials conrmed they would not be enacting further water restrictions due to the repair but will remain in Stage 3—which allows outdoor watering one day per week— due to ongoing drought conditions. However, Liberty Hill is expected to enact similar water conservation measures as Leander because the city receives between 400,000- 500,000 gallons of treated water from Leander each day, Neu said. If water demand is not reduced, Neu said the system may experience a drop in pressure, which could allow bacteria to enter the water and necessitate a boil-water notice as well as risk damaging the water system. The project is expected to wrap up the rst week of April, Neu said.

A separation in the underwater pipeline caused a shutdown of the BCRUA water treatment plant. Initial repairs were completed April 29, 2021. December 2020:

August 2022:

BCRUA contractors discovered a new leak in the previously

repaired pipeline. Repair work took place from Sept. 21-Oct. 5, and Leander was in Stage 4 conservation measures during this time.

February 2023:

BCRUA ocials noticed a reduction in water pressure and determined a ball joint connecting to the previously repaired section of pipe failed. Repairs were completed in March.

SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“This isn’t, ‘A line just broke yesterday, and now we’re going to do something.’ This is absolutely intentional, and it is

on purpose. It is necessary so that we don’t have those problems.” LEANDER CITY COUNCIL MEMBER CHRIS CZERNEK

The pipeline being repaired transports raw water to the water treatment plant.

COURTESY CITY OF LEANDER

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