The Electric Crew has been actively trenching and installing electrical conduit to support the development of the new Marriott TownePlace Suites, ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place for this highly anticipated project.
Scheduled to open in the fall of 2026, the hotel will showcase Mar- riott’s signature modern amenities and a design that harmonizes with the local landscape. With its proximity to the airport and central location, the hotel is poised to become a key hub for visitors exploring Burnet and the Texas Hill Country. A formal groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March, with more information forthcoming.
Park Upgrades
The City of Burnet is making significant improvements at Haley Nelson Park, focusing on upgrades to the restroom and concession stand building. These renovations aim to enhance functionality, safety, and the overall visitor experience.
The Parks Department has successfully completed the following projects: Restroom Upgrades:
• Installed exterior doors on both restrooms
• Added stall doors, replacing the previous stall curtains
• Installed new emergency lighting for increased safety
• Upgraded exhaust fans for better ventilation
• Installed new toilet paper dispensers
Concession Stand Improvements:
• Installed new lighting under the concession stand • Removed outdated ceiling insulation
• Replaced exterior pack lighting for better visibility Additional Enhancements:
• Seeded grass around the building perimeter for landscaping
• Painted exterior doors, door jambs, and privacy panels Looking ahead, the city plans to install access controls on the restroom doors to improve security and accessibility. These upgrades reflect Burnet’s commitment to maintaining high-quality public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Fire Dept. Training
The Burnet Fire Department participated in department-wide training this week on the new Hamilton T1 Ventilators provide advanced, portable respiratory support, ensuring critically ill patients receive high-quality ventilation during transport and emergency situations, ultimately improving patient outcomes and enhancing the capabilities of first responders. Additionally, Paramedics Cole Vaughn and Trevor Hayes successfully completed fire academy and passed their state test to earn Texas Commission on Fire Protection certification. Congratulations to them both.
State Politics
Just as oil fueled Texas’ economic rise in the 20th century, water will define its future growth, sustainability, and economic stability.
During his Feb. 2 State of the State address, Gov. Greg Abbott identified water infrastructure as one of seven emergency items for the current legislative session. Declaring an issue as an emergency item allows the Texas Legislature to take immediate action, bypassing the usual 60day waiting period before passing new laws.
Texas is facing significant water supply challenges, including aging infrastructure, broken water lines and drought conditions affecting agricultural producers in areas like the Rio Grande Valley and West Texas. To address these issues, Gov. Abbott has proposed historic investments aimed at securing the state’s water supply for the next 50 years.
Key initiatives include:
• $13 billion in low/no-interest loans through State Water Infrastructure for Texas (SWIFT) for critical water infrastructure;
• $1 billion annually for 10 years to develop new water sources, repair pipelines, and conserve water;
• Innovative solutions like desalination and water transfers to address shortages;
• Support for rural communities to maintain water systems;
• Long-term funding to ensure reliable water access for future generations;
• Gov. Abbott stressed water investment as essential for Texas’ economic growth and sustainability Today, residents and businesses in the city of Burnet use approximately 1.2 million gallons of water per day in the winter and 1.6 million gallons per day in the summer. With access to both surface water and groundwater, Burnet is better positioned than most cities to meet current and future water demands. However, water conservation remains the most important tool for ensuring a sustainable supply for future generations.
This proposed Texas- size investment in water infrastructure presents significant opportunities for Burnet by providing access to state funding for critical water projects. With over $13 billion in low interest loans and $1 billion for infrastructure expansion, Burnet could secure resources to upgrade aging water systems, reduce waste, and enhance long-term sustainability. Additionally, dedicated support for rural communities ensures that Burnet remains well-positioned to meet future demands as it grows.
As this legislative session progresses, the city of Burnet will continue to monitor developments and explore how these state investments could benefit our local infrastructure and water supply needs.
David Vaughn is the city manager for Burnet. He shares a weekly report about the municipality, community events and related news.
