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Bastrop County cities are teaming up to launch a grassroots collaborative focused on sustainable growth.
The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation approved $50,000 last week to help form a tri-city economic development corporation with Elgin and Smithville. The funding will be used to hire a consultant to develop an assessment and strategic plan for the effort, officials said.
The initiative follows a previous county-led proposal that was not adopted by the cities, in part due to concerns over third-party administration.
Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said both Elgin and Smithville support the new, city-driven effort.
She added the three cities are expected to contribute additional funding once a strategic plan is in place.
County commissioners were invited to participate but had not responded as of the March 24 council meeting.
“We’re going to keep plugging with the cities, and the county is welcome to join in when they’re ready,” Carrillo- Trevino said.
