Travis County voters approve bond propositions aimed at roads, parks

On election night, Travis County voters overwhelmingly approved a bond package that will bolster roads and parks.

Proposition A includes $233,060,000 in road bonds that will pay for safety projects, acquiring land for right of way, road drainage, bike lanes, side walks, shared use paths and other projects.

Proposition B includes $276,440,000 of bonds for projects to improve county parks, including the acquisition of land for new parks and conservation easements, as well as the construction of new recreational facilities.

With early voting totals tallied, it appeared both measures were on track to pass easily, with 52,175 voters (75.81%) supporting Proposition A and just 16,646 (24.19) voting against. For Proposition B, 32,323 (76.6%) voted for and 16,110 (23.40%) voted against.

After election day totals were tallied, Proposition A passed with 106,797 (75.78%) voting for and 34,141 (24.22%) voting against. Proposition B passed with 108,876 (77.1%) voting for and 32,323 (22.9%) voting against.

In an interview with the Austin Monitor on Tuesday evening, Travis County Judge Andy Brown praised the outcome, which he framed as transformational, particularly in the area of parks and open space.

“I’m incredibly happy that the county made the decision to invest in parks and open spaces and improved transportation,” he said. “I think that for generations to come, people will remember this election in particular for preserving vast amounts of green space so that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy the great things that Travis County has to offer.

“The people understood the propositions. They understood that it’s an investment, but they understood that it was worth this investment,” he said.

Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard also celebrated voters’ decision to pass the largest bond package in the county’s history.

“I think voters have spoken about the future of Travis County,” she said. “There’s a lot of hope and promise and looking forward to a safe and healthy Travis County with safe roads and parkland that we can all enjoy – and parkland that protects water sources. So I think it’s a great night. I’m so happy that we gave the voters this opportunity to direct the future.”

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