Hays County receives $971,000 in federal funding for Wimberley Valley Trail Project

Staff Reports

WIMBERLEY – Hays County received approval from the Texas Transportation Commission for its application to fund $971,000 in sidewalk infrastructure as a part of the Wimberley Valley Trails project. These funds will be used to construct sidewalks connecting Wimberley High School, Danforth Junior High School, Wimberley Market Days, and the Wimberley Village Library along RM 2325. The project will improve pedestrian safety, increase connectivity, and help close gaps in the sidewalk network.

The Wimberley Valley Trails initiative is a multi-year vision to improve connectivity in the City of Wimberley and surrounding areas. This vision includes a system of hike and bike trails, a variety of transportation options, and other strategies to help connect people with nature and link regional points of interest in the community.? Hays County funded the planning process and design with participation from the Cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek, WISD, the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, Parks and Recreation Departments, and local community members.  

Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell (Pct. 3) said, “We received great support from our partners and community on this effort. We are all very excited to secure funding for the first piece of this project that will make it safer and easier to get around while enjoying the natural beauty of our unique area. Thank you to TxDOT and the Commission.” 

Hays County applied for funding from the Transportation Alternatives Set-aside and Safe Routes to School Programs through the TxDOT call for projects. The awarded project includes construction of a 6-ft sidewalk along the west side of Carney Lane from Danforth Junior High to the south side of FM 2325 and extending east to Green Acres as an 8-ft sidewalk. The sidewalk will then cross to the north side of FM 2325 at the signal and connect to an existing sidewalk for access to the HEB Grocery store (a total of 0.84 miles of the 1.38 mile identified as Section B Wimberley High School to Wimberly Square). All new sidewalks constructed will be ADA compliant.

The County will continue working with partners to identify additional funding. For more information visit: WimberleyValleyTrails.com.