“This federal funding will open 70 acres as a strategic priority area for economic development by providing wastewater service for the first time,” Doggett said in a press release. “This $1.6 million will supplement efforts by the city of Buda, which faces so many costly demands in such a rapidly growing community. It is funding that can go directly—and quickly—toward foundational infrastructure for businesses along a new commercial corridor to serve our neighbors and create more local jobs.”
The funding was matched 20% by the Buda Economic Development Corp. for a total of just over $2 million, which will provide wastewater service to unserved areas currently on a septic system, according to Council Member Evan Ture. The project goes hand in hand with the Robert S. Light Boulevard expansion project that the Texas Department of Transportation broke ground on in late 2021.
The city will be able to create a commercial and industrial growth district south of downtown at the intersection of Robert S. Light and South Loop 4 with the addition of wastewater services.
There will be three lines that will either connect to the city’s existing wastewater facilities or extend the service from the facility to the area. One of the three lines is already underway, Ture said, with plans in place for the other two.
The switch from the septic system to wastewater facility connection will allow the usage of more of the property and lower the barrier for entry of businesses that wish to relocate to or build in the area, Ture said.
“The ultimate goal is to bring robust businesses that are looking to invest in the long term in Buda that bring jobs, property tax and sales tax,” Ture said. “With this investment, we hope to find partners that value [the] partnership with the city and the ECD.”
The wastewater line project and Robert S. Light expansion project are expected to be completed within the same time period in mid-2023.
