The drive into and around Dripping Springs may soon look different.
Dripping Springs City Council approved the design and location of three new gateway monuments at a March 17 meeting.
Two of the signs will be located on Hwy. 290, and the other will be located on RM 12.
The big picture
The signs are planned to improve navigation, strengthen community identity and enhance the visitor experience, according to city documents.
The signs will be approximately 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide, and include lighting for night viewing.
Digging in deeper
Because the signs will be located in the Texas Department of Transportation right of way, the city administrator must negotiate and execute an agreement with TxDOT before construction begins.
The agreement outlines responsibilities of the city, including:
Submission and approval of monument design plansTxDOT-approved construction specificationsInstallation of appropriate safety measuresOngoing inspections and maintenance of structuresRemoval and restoration of the site if the agreement is terminatedHow it’s funded
City officials anticipate using hotel occupancy tax revenue to fund the project.
Officials are also planning for additional wayfinding signs within the city.
What they’re saying
The item was approved in a 3-1 vote, with council member Geoffrey Tahuahua voting against the motion.
“I understand that there’s no money being spent now, but there’s likely to be money spent in the future,” Tahuahua said. “I think from a cost priority standpoint, the last thing we should be spending money on is signs.”
What’s next
Pending TxDOT approval, the project will enter the bidding process for contractors. Bids will come back to city officials for final approval.
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