The study includes: Collecting traffic data and conducting studies to determine current and future traffic volumes and patterns Public engagement, including coordination with property owners, the local community, regional and local partners, and other interested stakeholders Public meetings to gather input and identify priorities Gathering environmental constraints and issues Developing and evaluating conceptual, preliminary, and primary route options Identifying right of way requirements and construction cost estimates Final study report with all information collected and findings to be used in planning for the future In addition to stakeholder outreach, the study will identify and evaluate possible route options. The study team will work to balance public input, engineering requirements, and operational characteristics of the route options to identify a route option (or options) to be studied further in subsequent phases of project development. The study does not include required NEPA studies, PS&E, right of way acquisition, or construction. There is currently no funding for the Gap Project beyond this feasibility study and additional funding will be needed for future phases of the project.

This study will identify best practices for environmental protection considering the unique character, trees and vegetation, and creek crossings. At the end of the feasibility study, all information will be presented to Hays County to inform their planning and decision-making process. If the decision is made to proceed with the project, it would then be subject to the full suite of environmental laws, rules, and regulations including studies/investigations required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

For the feasibility study, Hays County has authorized up to $2,500,000 with a contribution of $500,000 from the City of Buda.

The current study, a pre-NEPA planning study (feasibility study), is expected to take two to three years to complete and will not guarantee construction. At the end of the feasibility study, all information will be presented to Hays County to inform their planning and decision-making process. If the decision is made to proceed with the project, it would then be subject to the full suite of environmental laws, rules, and regulations including studies/investigations required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The NEPA process for this project would take approximately three to five years to complete. After NEPA clearance, the project would enter Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E). Right of way would then need to be acquired before construction could begin.

Only the feasibility study has been funded. There is currently no funding for future studies, design, right of way acquisition, or construction. Funding would be needed for the next phases and for a project to progress.