Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on the RM 2243 Improvement Grant Application.

Williamson County is seeking Federal RAISE grant funding for the initial construction of one three-lane road from 183A to Garey Park. This RM 2243 Resiliency Project includes phased improvements to Hero Way/RM 2243 between 183A and Southwest Bypass. The Project will modernize and replace dilapidated infrastructure by constructing a new roadway built to modern safety and design standards. This Project is critical to connecting intermodal facilities in the City of Leander and City of Georgetown; provides drainage improvements that meet current Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain requirements and alleviate flooding conditions; protects sensitive habitats through water quality measures that reduce runoff; and connects users of all abilities by providing space to construct a future shared-use path to the key activity centers along the corridor. Improvements will provide safe access of suburban and rural residents to nearby high-quality technology and light industrial jobs including those generated by the new Apple campus and the Tesla Gigafactory. Williamson County and TxDOT have the technical resources available to deliver this Project. 

The anticipated construction cost is $19.6M, and our grant request is 50% of construction costs equaling $9.8M.