Williamson County leaders celebrated the conclusion of one improvement project at the Expo Center in Taylor and the beginning of others during a joint ceremony Feb. 10.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a 200-foot-by-500-foot south tarmac that will be used as an event space and for additional parking, according to a county press release. The release said the tarmac includes a new concrete sidewalk that improves access to facilities and makes it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Following the ribbon cutting, the county broke ground on a project to expand the Expo Center arena.

During a Dec. 14 Commissioners Court meeting, Williamson County Parks Director Russell Fishbeck said improvements include widening the arena by about 20 feet and adding 250 seats, including some box seating.

“That will enhance the opportunity for our events to be a little bit larger; it will also provide additional safety for these rodeo-type events for our contestants because they will have more space when they are riding these wild animals,” Fishbeck said.

Funding for the $2 million Expo Center improvements come from the 2019 voter-approved parks bond and 2021 capital improvement project funds, according to the release. Chasco Constructors was awarded the construction manager contract during the Dec. 14 meeting.

Williamson County will also use money from an insurance claim to replace part of the roof that collapsed during Winter Storm Uri.

The Expo Center hosts a variety of events, including those put on by the Williamson County Livestock Association, Taylor Rodeo Association, local Future Farmers of America organizations and other outside groups.

“These improvements and upgrades will certainly enhance the spectator experience and supply improved functionally of the Expo [Center]—not only for the county, but the Taylor Rodeo Association and all the many others that use the facility,” TRA President Edwin Stojanik said during the Dec. 14 meeting.

According to county documents, construction is set to be substantially complete by June 8.