Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on participation by Williamson County Road Bond Program under the County's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for drainage improvements along Roxie Drive to Pond Springs Road, south to Woods Pond in the City of Austin, Williamson County, Texas.

Williamson County proposes to conduct drainage improvements along Roxie Drive to Pond Springs Road, south to Woods Pond in the City of Austin, Williamson County, Texas.  The project would be performed within a 20-foot buffer of two linear segments of existing stormwater drainages and some minor excavation (grading) north of (but not within) a stormwater detention pond located near the intersection of Roxie Drive and Pond Springs Road within the City of Austin, Williamson County, Texas. The project includes replacing subsurface drainage infrastructure (e.g., pipes and concrete culverts) along approximately 280 linear feet (0.04 acre) of Roxie Drive before turning southeast for approximately 1,190 linear feet (0.22 acre) underneath Pond Springs Road (project area). 

Approximately 0.5 acres (rounded up to 1.0 acre pursuant to requirements for RHCP participation) lies within Karst Zone 1 (area known to contain endangered cave species). Within Karst Zone 1, there is the potential to encounter currently unknown voids and karst features during earth-moving associated with construction activities. As such, the County is enrolling the project for karst impacts. Field surveys did not identify potential golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) breeding habitat within and near the project area. Therefore, the County is not enrolling the project for golden-cheeked warbler habitat impacts. Due to the anticipated impacts, the County seeks RHCP enrollment for karst impacts across the entire project area and fees will cover 1.0 acre. RHCP participation fees over Karst Zone 1 are $100.00/acre; therefore, the participation cost for the proposed project across the impacted acres is $100.

Staff recommends the following action: Authorize County Judge (or designee) to acknowledge/sign the Determination Letter and Participation Agreement (attached) to enroll the project under the Williamson County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan WCCF File #20240422 and to sign any related documents as may be required.