Hays County, San Marcos Partner on FM 110

1. http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/san-marcos-buda-kyle/hays-county-san-marcos-partner-on-fm-110/

2.  Category of Problem/Issue identified in article: Environment

3. Level of problem/issue: Local Level

4. A potential policy that is being considered to help a problem/issue that individuals/families face

5.  Why this is important to individuals/families OR How does this affect individuals/families: This will affect individuals who are trying to pass through San Marcos on their way to destinations such as the Outlet Malls or major Interstate I-10.  It will reduce congestion for drivers, whether driving around locally or passing through, as well as open up the east side of of the county to provide more economic opportunities. 

6. What are your views on the issue/policy? My view on this issue is that it might be a great idea.  With the downtown LBJ and campus area trying to expand, even though it really can't, it has made that area so crowded and full of traffic at times.  There is only so much that the downtown area can expand, and the school has been left with building up instead of outwards to accommodate the growing number of students and population coming to San Marcos.  For those locals trying to live in peace and quiet,  there will be that opportunity as well as economic opportunities if Hays County receives the $48 million dollar loan to fund the construction of this loop. For many that commute to San Antonio or Austin for work or other purposes, this could help reduce the traffic of those who are commuting to school.  I have seen Aquarena Springs full of traffic during the early hours (8am-10am) as well as afternoon hours (4pm-6pm) full of students commuting to school.  I think that this would benefit those who are just passing by to get to other places. As stated by Manager Jim Nuse, "Even though we're sharing some of the [tax revenue], we will be gaining income, too.  It will create opportunities for rooftops and will create opportunities for sales tax."  FM 110 would travel through the edge of San Marcos and Has county, connecting McCarty Lane to Yarrington Road, looping through the majority of San Marcos.  I see FM 110 as a great opportunity for all.