Round Rock, Georgetown receive $14M in ARPA funds for regional water project

In partnership with the city of Georgetown, Round Rock officials on Aug. 25 accepted $14 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from Williamson County to be used for future water infrastructure.

City documents state Round Rock will receive the funds on behalf of both cities for the construction of a pipeline to be known as Segment A. This pipeline will extend an existing 36-inch pipeline that runs from Chandler Road from FM 1660 to SH 130, tying into an eventual connection to the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.

"This is a big deal for the future, the county, no doubt about it," said Michael Thane, Round Rock Utilities Department director.

While no official plans have been released, during the council's Aug. 23 packet briefing Thane said the city has been requesting information regarding the eventual possibility of a regional connection to vendors of water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, around 50 miles away from Round Rock, as a source of drinking water. Thane said none of these plans are official just yet and are subject to change.

Segment A, as a regional project, would allow more than just Round Rock to take water from the aquifer, Thane said. The receipt of funds for the project would effectively mean its ownership would be split between the two cities. Referencing Round Rock's early interest in the project, Thane said the city will get what it needs of the pipeline, even if delayed in a manner similar to the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority partnership in which the city did not draw water for several years after contributing to and completing necessary infrastructure.

"Round Rock's the first at the table," Thane said. "We have started this whole process. We will be there; we're [going to] get everything we want."

A reimbursement agreement will later be brought to the city outlining cost reimbursement for managing and inspecting the project on behalf of the two cities.