SUBMITTED REPORT

Hays County commissioners learned last Thursday that the Texas Transportation Commission approved more than $18 million in funding for area road improvement projects in Hays County.

The funds approved for Hays County do not require local matching dollars. The projects include $3.02 million for adding a center turn lane to Hunter Road (FM 2439) between Centerpoint and Posey roads south of San Marcos and $15.2 million for improvements along Interstate 35 between Buda and Kyle. Those improvements include adding two lanes to the bridge at Cement Plant Road as well as improving entrance and exit ramps and adding turnarounds at Cement Plant Road, FM 1626, FM 150 and FM 2001. The county anticipates that construction will begin in fiscal year 2013, which begins Oct. 1, 2012.

“Growth throughout Hays County has created a major impact on roads,” said Jerry Borcherding, county transportation director. “This money will fund projects complementary to those already underway along I-35, helping to ease congestion and allow residents and businesses along the interstate safer, easier access. We’re very appreciative that the Transportation Commission recognized our area’s needs.”

In total, the Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved the disbursement of about $3 billion in Proposition 12 bond funds that will go to improve safety and mobility statewide. Some of those funds went to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, which this month will consider funding additional projects submitted by Hays County and other jurisdictions in the five-county CAMPO area.