The Williamson County Commissioners Court allocated $72.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for water and wastewater projects throughout the county. Williamson County received approximately $114 million in ARPA funds and until today had allocated only approximately $36.5. Approximately $5 million remains unallocated.
“Today is a historic day in Williamson County. Providing water resources to our residents must be a top priority. Through the more than $70 million we allocated, we are taking a great step to ensure our residents have access to water,” said County Judge Bill Gravell.
“We have been talking about water and related infrastructure for a long time, and as the county has grown, this continues to be a big issue,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey. “Although Williamson County is not a water purveyor nor should we be, we do have a unique opportunity to partner with cities and purveyors to use ARPA funds for much needed water and wastewater infrastructure throughout Williamson County.”
The Commissioners Court approved the allocation of funds for 15 infrastructure projects. The projects will help with current needs for water and wastewater reliability and capacity. One of the projects will help fund the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) replacing a water intake structure in Lake Travis. This will provide water security for Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock.
“Williamson County has a track record of partnering with our cities on important projects. I am excited to support this historic investment in our county that will improve the water and wastewater infrastructure for all of Williamson County,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long.
“Having grown up in Williamson County and served on the Brazos River Authority board, I realize this collaboration between the county and cities for water is one-of-a-kind. Water is important, and we need to have robust conversations with each other and our constituents about water,” Precinct 4 Commissioners Russ Boles.
In Hutto, funds will be used to construct a wastewater line from US 79 to the Hutto wastewater treatment plant, building a modern line that is more environmentally friendly as it will allow companies and residents to connect to the line rather than use a septic system.
Round Rock and Georgetown will receive funding to construct a water line from FM 1660 to SH 130. Other cities will receive funds for water or wastewater system improvements that have not yet been identified.
“The critical infrastructure of water treatment and supply is probably the most critical area for ARPA funding in our county. I’m so proud to be on the court approving the distribution of these funds to our cities and water providers,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook.
ARPA funds must be obligated by the end of 2024 and constructed by the end of 2026.