Georgetown was spared the drastic effects of Hurricane Harvey, which came ashore Friday on the southeastern coast of Texas. But the storm did have some local consequences. Here are five news items to keep in mind this week as the inclement weather continues.
1. Storm causes postponements of roadwork, warning-system tests
Georgetown officials decided to postpone a Saturday test of the city's new outdoor warning-siren system due to the storm. The test alarm, which will sound for 90 seconds, has been moved to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. If weather permits, the testing will continue monthly on the last Saturday of every month, according to city spokesman Keith Hutchinson. Weekend rainfall has also led to the delay of multiple road projects, including the paving on Janis Drive and Park Lane that was scheduled for Thursday, according to a city news release. Williamson County officials announced over the weekend the postponement of a ground breaking event for the southern segment of the Southwest Bypass roadway in Georgetown. The event had been scheduled for Monday. A new date for the ground breaking will be set later, according to the county.
2. Williamson County lifts burn ban
Weekend rainfall led Williamson County Judge Dan Gattis to decide Monday to lift a burn ban placed last week in the county's unincorporated areas. "Due to the level of precipitation, [Gattis] felt it was safe to lift the burn ban, but people should still be careful,” county spokesperson Connie Watson said.
3. GoGeo bus system launches with free rides
The city's new GoGeo bus system launched last week with four routes that serve the Lone Star Circle of Care, Wolf Ranch, the Rivery, City Lights Theatres, Southwestern University and the Georgetown Recreation Center as well as other locations. Riders can give the bus system a try for free until Sept. 1. City officials said they hope the GoGeo system will collect at least 30,000 rider fares during its first year of operation.
