Staff Report
SAN MARCOS — Hays County has received $15,237,235 in Surface Transportation Block Grant funding for roadway projects along FM 2001, advancing long-planned safety and mobility improvements in one of the country's fastest-growing regions.
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) selected the projects in June through its 2028–31 call for projects. The three awards will support work valued at approximately $24.5 million, read a news release. The funding will cover final design for improvements being developed in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and will fund construction of a portion of the corridor in Precinct 1.
FM 2001 East Interim in Precinct 1 received $12,814,451 toward a total project cost of $21,500,000. The project previously received partial CAMPO construction funds in 2021 valued at $5,808,000. The project runs from Graef Road to southeast of SH-21 and includes a new FM 2001 alignment with one travel lane in each direction, a median, shoulders on both sides and turn lanes at intersections, continued the release.
“People who drive FM 2001 every day know how much this part of the county has grown and they have been waiting a long time for these improvements,” said Precinct 1 commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe. “This funding allows us to advance the plans we developed with TxDOT for a safer road that will make a real difference for the families and commuters who depend on it.”
The FM 2001 Gap projects, which run from north of Satterwhite Road to Graef Road, received two awards. The Precinct 1 portion received $1,470,976 toward a $1,838,720 total design cost and the Precinct 2 portion received $951,808 toward a $1,189,760 total design cost. The proposed project would eliminate the sharp curve at Windy Hill Road, improving safety and sight distance.
“The curve at Windy Hill Road is one of the spots our residents raise with me most often and this award moves us closer to fixing it,” said Precinct 2 commissioner Michelle Cohen. “A new alignment improves sight distance and safety and gives drivers a more consistent route through this part of the county.”
The FM 2001 awards are joined by an approximate $39 million federal award announced Aug. 14 for the Centerpoint Crossing Elimination and Safety Project, which will build an overpass over the Union Pacific Railroad on Centerpoint Road in San Marcos, Precinct 3.
