TRANSPORTATION
GEORGETOWN — Williamson County got an unexpected holiday gift this week worth $20 million to make roadways safer and curb traffic deaths.
During Tuesday’s Commissioners Court session, Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles announced the county is the state’s sole recipient of a $20 million grant for its systemic and corridor action plan, which is meant to improve transportation safety and planning.
“This (grant) is going to allow us to spend these funds, partner with some of our cities, the county and make incremental improvements to intersections, safety signs and a whole variety of things that we’re looking forward to address,” Boles said.
Boles added once the grant is implemented and work is carried out to enhance roadway safety, estimates indicate more than 3,000 crashes and 89 fatalities could be prevented.
The grant came through the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, a regional transportation agency which disburses federal infrastructure funds across Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, usually through an application process.
Boles thanked Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long for her representation at CAMPO, noting the grant was competitive and added Williamson County benefited from the time and effort Long put in to receive it.
County Judge Steven Snell said receiving the grant is “a testament to working with the great cities in Williamson County for the benefit of the citizens.”
Improving transportation has been a priority for the court, especially as the population and traffic increase with the advent of high-tech businesses such as Samsung Austin Semiconductor near Taylor.
In other commissioners’ business Dec. 30, commissioners approved a tax agreement between the county and Taylor for services related to the Park 79 Commerce public improvement district, or PID.
According to the agreement, the county will bill and collect annual installments of the PID on behalf of Taylor.
The county will also prepare tax certificates, develop and maintain delinquent assessment rolls, send monthly collection reports to the city and provide copies of all records related to the services the county provides.
Commissioners also approved a special meeting regarding the county’s new justice complex, 5 p.m. Jan. 15 at 3189 S.E. Inner Loop.
The court next meets at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 13 at 710 S. Main St. Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners-Court.
