1. Funding has officially been secured for three major transportation projects in Southwest Austin.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and Texas Department of Transportation finalized funding agreements for SH 45 SW, which would connect Loop 1 to FM 1626 in Hays County. Capital Metro's budget was approved with $2.6 million in funding allocated for a West Gate Park & Ride facility. And officials are dedicating $15,000 toward a feasibility study for a proposed gondola system that could take riders from Slaughter Lane to the University of Texas campus.
Bethany Lutheran Church Fall Festival Trunk or Treat occurs in Southwest Austin.[/caption]2. It's October, which means a variety of fall events are kicking off in the region.
Southwest Austinites can stay close to home or take day trips to partake in pumpkins, pints and plenty of festivals to celebrate fall.
3. Austin ISD took the first steps last week toward becoming a District of Innovation, a move that could grant it more flexibility in some areas.
The school district's board of trustees voted to set a public hearing in October and consider designating the school district as a DOI.
4. A few Austin-area restaurants recently announced updates. Pieous is moving to Belterra Village in 2017 and Taste of Ethiopia opened its location on South Congress Ave.5. This month local nonprofit Austin Diaper Bank aims to reach 100,000 in diaper donations. Through donations the organization is able to help 4,000 residents each year.
