BY GRACIE WARHURST
Nonprofit preserves native plant species Volunteers with Native Plant Rescue Project, an environmental nonprofit organi- zation, gathered plants and seeds at the site of the future Southwestern University 560 development Nov. 14. The gist NPRP volunteers collected plants, such as Blazing Star, Winecup and Mealy Blue Sage. By preserving these species, NPRP can save the local genetics of common plants, board member Sara Torres said. “Because we’re gathering here in William- son County, these genetics are different than [plants] you might find other places, even when it’s the same species,” Torres said. The Trail Conservancy and Williamson County Master Gardeners will rehome the collections in Central Texas.
WilCo forms coalition of regional water providers Williamson County will work with local water providers to explore long-term water supply solutions, including an engineering study that will evaluate regional needs for water. County commissioners approved $500,000 for the study at their Nov. 25 meeting. Digging in deeper Although the county is not a water provider, officials hope to guide cities and utilities in coordi- nating water procurement, infrastructure planning and conservation efforts through the new study and coalition, Williamson County Judge Steve Snell said at a Nov. 25 press conference. Potential solutions could involve groundwater and surface water development, water reuse, upgrades to aging infrastructure, and a broad conservation plan, Snell said. Georgetown Water Utilities Director Chelsea
“I’m looking at a 50-year water solution, not a ve-year, not a 10-year. So we’re going to need everybody
at the table for that.” STEVE SNELL, WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE
Solomon said the coalition could allow cities and water suppliers to jointly fund new water sources and infrastructure, while also partnering to use existing pipelines and easements. “Future water is not located in the county any- more,” Michael Thane, Round Rock Public Works executive director, said. “We have to go get it, and it’s going to be expensive.” What’s next The coalition will solicit an engineering firm to conduct the water study, Thane said.
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
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