Southwest Connection project

An affected landowner and watershed researcher said the road area is seeing historic aquifer drawdown, urged the environmental study be done first, and noted dye-trace science showing rapid recharge into the Trinity Aquifer via South Onion Creek.

Speaking for Hays Neighbors for Responsible Growth, he asked for a real traffic study, environmental study, water quality plan and full cost estimate before moving forward, noting the $10M contract far exceeds the $4M publicly stated phase cost.

In an emailed comment, an ESD 1 commissioner (writing personally) urged the court to keep advancing the project, citing emergency services routing benefits for Dripping Springs' growing population.

In an emailed comment, she called the $10M contract a rushed, irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars without traffic or environmental studies, and questioned acting before the court's composition changes.