Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Hays County now has an updated countywide Transportation Plan following more than a year of discussions and public meetings. The Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted the plan at its January 22 meeting.
“Our goal with this process was to develop a plan in conjunction with our cities and neighboring counties that would serve the needs of our current and expected population growth,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe. “Working together on the plan helps all entities spend road dollars wisely and partner where possible to maximize the benefits to our taxpayers and traveling public.”
The plan will also serve as the County’s Major Thoroughfare Plan, which under Local Government Code Section 232.102 allows the County to require up to 120 feet of right-of-way for future major thoroughfares.
“Public input was paramount to creating a plan that is realistic and meets the needs of the public,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley. “Hays County residents attended public meetings, participated in an online survey and were members of two advisory groups that helped define our needs. The time and effort put into this plan was unprecedented in our County, and much credit for the final plan must be given to the citizens who stepped up and provided valuable insight, creating a consensus for how our transportation needs should be met.”
“This is a guide post, not a hitching post,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said, “and like all plans it will be tweaked as we move closer to needing and funding the new roads. The routes and connection points shown on the map are for planning purposes and will be pinpointed at a later time by our county engineer in coordination with other jurisdictions involved.”
“Approval of the plan doesn’t commit us to spend any funds and it doesn’t require us to build any of the roads,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant said. “But, with a population expected to more than double to 371,000 by 2035, this plan will help us be ready to meet those transportation needs.”
County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., agreed, noting that having the plan puts the County in a good place to face the future. “It’s a comprehensive plan, developed with the help of people who live and work in Hays County and understand the growth challenges we are facing. We’ll be ready to build when the time is right and when funding is available.”