Half of Bastrop commutes to Travis Co.

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - According to local development agencies, 40 percent of Bastrop residents live and work there, but more than 50 percent travel to Travis County for work.

"Twenty-five miles on HWY 71, not too bad considering if you live in Round Rock and have to commute to downtown Austin, " said Philip Lawhorn, who makes the 25 mile drive to work each day.

The number comes out to roughly 18,000 people hitting the road on any given day, driving from Bastrop to Travis County to make a paycheck.

Employment in Bastrop County in 2005 was 22,000, and it is expected to hit 28,000 by 2015.

As business grows, roads will need to keep up with demand.

SH 71 construction is now underway in Bastrop to help future commuters, which could spike dramatically in the years to come.

Right now, 69,000 people live in Bastrop County, but that number is expect to hit 215,000 in the next three decades.

That's why "Universe of Projects" for Bastrop County was created by local agencies to prep for that growth.

It includes 34 projects, ranging from roads, bicycle and pedestrian projects to rail systems and much more.

One of the biggest home builders in the country, KB Homes, is seeing the need for homes in Bastrop Co.

A custom home community has broke ground in the River Meadow area and will be the builders first development in the county. Twenty-six homes will be part of this expansion.

Homeowners who have been there for years and enjoy their space, are not too thrilled about the new rooftops sprouting up.

"A lot of new homes will be built here," a concerned Lawhon said. "We don't know how close they will be built together."

Due to the growth in Bastrop, several schools have also reached their capacity, causing BISD to rezone.

Parents upset about their kids switching schools have started a petition asking the district to reconsider the re-zoning.