Local News
Greenspace: Hays County seeks a few good acres
Hays County Commissioners are seeking properties that meet their goal of adding to parks, natural areas and open space.
As spelled out in the 2007 voter-approved bond election, the preservation of water quality, aquifer recharge areas and wildlife habitat is a key consideration, county officials say.
“Following the 2007 bond approval of $30 million, a Citizens Parks Advisory Team, now known as the Parks and Open Space Advisory Board, made recommendations to the commissioners court and it approved a number of grants for park projects throughout Hays county, and those projects are complete or in progress,” Jeff Hauff, grants administrator for Hays County, said.
“In consideration of the County’s Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, which focuses on habitat suitable for Golden-cheeked Warblers and Black-capped Vireos, the Court wants to maximize additional land acquisitions with remaining bond money to provide for multiple uses.”
Hauff said that land donations, partnerships and conservancy easements can all be considered, as well as outright purchases by the county.
“We’re looking to maximize the return on the remaining bond funds,” Hauff said. “We have some general criteria as far as the amount of endangered species habitat a parcel must include for consideration – at least 250 acres, preferably 500 or more. What would be ideal would be to find single or contiguous parcels that allow for habitat preservation as well as trails, water access and protection and possibly enough space for other compatible uses.”
The county has posted an application package on its Web site at www.co.hays.tx.us (see Quick Links).
- Local News
-
-
Main Street program applications available
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is now accepting applications from small, urban and recertified communities for participation in the Texas Main Street Program.
-
Prosecutors: Teen used arrow to kill woman
A teenager living next door killed the founder of a popular San Antonio restaurant with an arrow before setting her house ablaze and bankrolling a spending spree on her credit cards, prosecutors told a jury Monday.
-
Michael Jackson's doctor pleads not guilty
Michael Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of the pop star at a brief hearing that had all the trappings of another sensational celebrity courtroom drama.
-
Top 2 Dem. gov. hopefuls talk jobs, death penalty
Democratic hair care businessman Farouk Shami guaranteed Monday that he would create 100,000 jobs available to everyone, offer free electricity and an enact a moratorium on the death penalty if elected governor of Texas.
-
Texas State students in the running for spot on the red carpet
With enough votes, two Texas State University students could be on the red carpet for the 82nd annual Academy Awards
- Toyota plans to recall 300,000 Priuses
-
Space shuttle blasts off on last night flight
Endeavour and six astronauts rocketed into orbit Monday on what's likely the last nighttime launch for the shuttle program, hauling a new room and observation deck for the International Space Station.
-
Hooked on hooking fish
-
The road to ruin
The number of real properties affected by post-bankruptcy court filings in the Austin district, which includes Hays County, rose only three percent from 2008 to 2009. However, the dollar value of those properties jumped by 47 percent.
-
Meetings developing MY35 concept to present to TxDOT
Through this summer, regional leaders will meet monthly as part of a new citizen-driven planning effort to develop a blueprint of improvements for the Interstate 35 corridor to be recommended to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
- More Local News Headlines
-
Main Street program applications available
