TxDOT urged to open more I-35 lanes
GEORGETOWN — Dry conditions and a lack of rain mean the burn ban is back on for Williamson County.
Commissioners Tuesday enacted a 90-day prohibition on outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county and all county parks after reviewing a report from Williamson County Fire Marshal Mike Lugo.
“It is extremely dry. It is extremely windy. And the conditions are extremely dangerous,” County Judge Steven Snell said Aug. 18 during a Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting.
In other business, commissioners discussed supporting expansion plans for Interstate 35, new compensation packages for county leaders and design upgrades to the Williamson County Exposition Center in Taylor.
Meanwhile, as of last week, 124 counties had burn bans, including Travis County but not neighboring Williamson County.
The county’s previous burn ban was lifted on April 10.
The new ban prohibits using open fire pits, charcoal grills or anything that could allow sparks to escape. Burning household yard waste, leaves and grass are not allowed. Any outdoor activity which creates flames or sparks is forbidden. The ban applies to private and public property out in the county.
Smoking is prohibited in any of the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department’s parks, trails, facilities or at the Wilco Expo Center.
A burn ban traditionally is reviewed based on a drought index and commissioners will then decide whether to lift or extend it.
I-35 expansion encouraged
“Go big and go free” is the message county commissioners want to send to the Texas Department of Transportation as the agency explores expanding I-35 through Central Texas.
The state agency is considering adding managed lanes, which could be tolled or high occupancy. Commissioners stressed the need for nonmanaged lanes as well due to congestion.
“That’s not how we drive up here. All lanes should be available at all times for all people,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook.
Commissioners approved a resolution asking TxDOT to add at least two nonmanaged lanes in each direction, two managed lanes in each direction and “collector distributor” roads through the Round Rock corridor to “improve mobility, safety and long-term operational efficiency.”
Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long asked residents to write to TxDOT and advocate for the additional lanes.
The resolution emphasized advancing the project while right of way is available and before potential right of way is fully developed, increasing costs — among other reasons.
“I-35 is the lifeblood of transportation,” Long said. “I encourage the residents to continue to support this.”
The deadline for submitting comments is Aug. 28. Email [email protected].
New pay rates for county officials
Commissioners also adjusted salaries for the coming fiscal year based on a comparison with what elected leaders make in other jurisdictions including Bell, Brazoria, Collin, Denton, Fort Bend, Hays, Montgomery and Travis counties.
The compensation is:
• County judge — $183,424 (a salary increase of $19,533. The judge also receives a supplement of $4,800 for serving on the Juvenile Board in addition to the annual salary.) Snell has said that he will decline his pay raise.
• County sheriff — $199,679 (an increase of $25,753)
• County commissioners — $161,319 (an increase of $14,382)
• County tax assessor/ collector — $163,337 (an increase of $14,222)
• County attorney — $220,547 (an increase of $35,025, plus a supplement of $70,000 for serving on the Juvenile Board)
In other news
Commissioners awarded a $1.3 million contract to AV Design Pros for upgrades to the Wilco Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor.
In addition, Hutto is one of five cities approved during the meeting for interlocal agreements updating Atlas 14 models with LiDAR survey data.
LiDAR — or light detection and ranging — is a laser-sensing system to measure distance and create three- dimensional maps. Atlas 14 is a rainfall study started in 2018 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to predict the likelihood of precipitation and to update flood plain maps.
The county representatives also approved development agreements with two investors to create municipal utility districts. Both investors intend to create master-planned residential communities.
Liberty Hill Land Partnership Ltd. and 5901 RR 1869 Ltd. have 3,603 acres fronting Texas 29 and the south fork of the San Gabriel River. As part of the development agreement, the county will agree to build a river bridge with construction starting in the next two years.
SV2 Alexander LLC is building a 138-acre masterplanned residential community bordering The Reserve at Ancient Oaks and Hillcrest subdivisions in Liberty Hills.
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“All lanes should be available at all times for all people.”
— Commissioner Terry Cook
