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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 082526-5.D - Support for the IH-35 Georgetown to Round Rock ProjectRESOLUTION NO. 01 26ZO 'S• .) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE I-35 GEORGETOWN TO ROUND ROCK PROJECT; REPEALING CONFLICTING RESOLUTIONS; INCLUDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, IH-35 connects states, and communities in the nation, and is the lifeblood of transportation through Georgetown, allowing goods and people to reach their destinations; and WHEREAS, the need for expansion of IH-35 is demonstrated by the 23.6 percent population growth of Williamson County from 609,017 in April 2020 to an estimated population of 752,827 on July 1, 2025, with forecasts projecting the County may reach 1.3 million residents by 2045; and WHEREAS, Georgetown continues to be a hub for growth, being named the fastest growing city in the country for three straight years and attracting a multitude of advanced manufacturing projects as state roadways such as SH-29, SH-195, FM-971, RR-2243, RR-2338 and SH-130 all feed into IH-35 in Georgetown; and WHEREAS, expansion of IH-35 through Georgetown and Round Rock is needed now to provide transportation solutions for the region's rapidly growing population, and it is essential to advance this project while right-of-way is available and before potential right-of-way is fully developed, increasing costs; and WHEREAS, congestion adversely affects the environment, economy, public safety, and quality of life; this project would improve travel -time reliability, support better air quality, and reduce safety risks associated with crowded highways; and WHEREAS, the City of Georgetown and its residents support and welcome transportation improvements and roadway expansion, as demonstrated by multiple successful transportation bond elections in 2008, 2015 and 2021; and WHEREAS, Georgetown has already displayed its support for TxDOT's efforts in this area through the funding of expanded lanes on SH-29 between I-35 and Wolf Ranch Parkway and the purchase of right-of-way at the interchange of I-35 and SE Inner Loop. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, THAT: Resolution No. M52(0_6•0 Page 1 of 2 Subject: Support or the IH-35 Georgetown to Round Rock project Date Approved SECTION 1. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this resolution are hereby found and declared to be true and correct and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part hereof. SECTION 2. The City of Georgetown requests that the Texas Department of Transportation expand IH-35 throughout Williamson County by constructing a minimum of two additional non - tolled main lanes in each direction, a minimum of two managed lanes in each direction, and, at a minimum, collector -distributor roads through the Georgetown and Round Rock corridor to improve mobility, safety, and long-term operational efficiency for the Central Texas region. SECTION 3. The City of Georgetown wishes for this project to be completed expeditiously but also understands the limited funding available for such a project; however, at a minimum the City requests TxDOT to prioritize temporary improvements to and the ultimate reconstruction of the interchange at IH-35 and SW Bypass / SE Inner Loop, as TxDOT and others have made changes that continue to funnel additional vehicles to this interchange at a rapidly growing rate that is causing significant bottlenecks and safety concerns. SECTION 4. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign this Resolution and the City Secretary to attest. SECTION 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption. Any conflicting resolutions are repealed. PASSED AND APPROVED on the _6`day ATTEST: 1 Robyn Den ore City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: Skye asso City Attorney Resolution No. OZ 251% _ S - Jr. Page 2 of 2 Subject: Support for the IH-35 Georgetown to Round Rock project Date Approved�1.14 25, 2A�C