$1B project, Saharan dust, ABIA passenger record: 5 stories impacting the Austin area

The previous second busiest day for ABIA was the Friday before this year’s South by Southwest Conference & Festivals, with over 36,800 passengers departing.

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2. Saharan dust brings hazy skies, allergies to Austin area

Dust from the Sahara Desert in Africa is settling into the Austin area after traveling thousands of miles over the Atlantic Ocean, bringing with it hazy skies and stirring up allergies for Central Texans.

Jason Dunion, weather expert with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said this round of dust will subside between July 8-9; however, a heavier dust storm is on its way and expected to reach the Austin area the week of July 10.

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3. $800M-$1B multifamily, hotel, office and retail project breaks ground in New Braunfels

A long-dormant and abandoned textile factory is in the demolition phase of construction as part of a makeover expected to cost $800 million to $1 billion over the next several years of construction.

River Mill, located on the Guadalupe River and a short distance from downtown New Braunfels, will comprise around 900 multifamily apartments and townhomes along with a luxury hotel, 83,000 square feet of retail space and more than 130,000 square feet of office space wrapped up in a mixed-use environment, according to Casey Development, the San Antonio-based developer of the project.

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4. Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ will not reopen South Austin food truck

Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ officials confirmed the food truck at 11500 Menchaca Road, Austin, will not reopen.

Officials previously announced the food truck would reopen in the near future with a limited menu and by-the-pound meats.

Public relations spokesperson Morgan Howry said owners Miguel and Modesty Vidal came to the decision to permanently close the food truck to dedicate their time and attention to the new brick-and-mortar restaurant in Buda, which opened June 16 at the Buda Mill & Grain Co., 308 Main St., Ste. 101, Buda.

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5. Austin ISD to install solar panels at 16 more schools thanks to $15M grant

Austin ISD is on track to install solar panels on 16 more schools thanks to a nearly $15 million federal grant.

The U.S. Department of Energy will award AISD the grant to help the district achieve its goal of having net-zero-emissions schools and increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within the district. In addition, district officials said the program will actively engage minority- and women-owned businesses with a particular focus on those located within federal Historically Underutilized Business Zones.

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