Federal COVID-19 stimulus dollars could go towards improving broadband internet access in Bastrop County, among other suggested programs and initiatives. Bastrop County has been allocated about $17 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), an act that passed the U.S. Congress earlier this year and a part of which is set aside to help local governments cover costs of the COVID-19 pandemic and begin an economic recovery. The county has received the first half of its funds, and all of the funds must be used by the end of 2024. In April, the Bastrop County Commissioners Court created a ...