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City manager talks flooding, energy and new projects
Smithville Solar Two online
The city has authorized the operation of Smithville Solar Two, a 995-killowatt solar array located on the northwest side of Texas 230.
After passing acceptance testing and confirming that the array can generate power for at least four consecutive hours, City Council granted permission for the array to begin providing energy.
The project is part of Smithville’s commitment to reducing energy costs and lowering carbon emissions, according to City Manager Robert Tamble, and is expected to save the city at least $220,000 over the 25-year term of its solar Power Purchase Agreement with Smithville Solar Two, LLC.
Featuring 84 strings of solar modules and five inverters, the new solar energy system will generate an additional 2.4 megawatts of clean energy each year.
The city’s previous solar project, Smithville Solar One, has already delivered approximately $85,000 in savings since its activation in 2022, Tamble said.
Training center breaks ground
City officials, residents and SWTC-Career Tracks personnel gathered Jan. 7 for a groundbreaking ceremony at the new Smithville Innovation Center site, 404 Fawcett St.
The center, supported by a $1.2 million grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture and $250,000 in matching funds from the city, will provide training and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The 4,000-square-foot facility will be built by Hodges Construction, with the project slated for completion within six months, weather permitting, officials said.
The Innovation Center aims to address a growing need in Smithville, according to Tamble, teaching new business owners the skills and tools required to succeed in launching and running operations.
Volunteers to bolster parks
Smithville was selected for three community projects under the 2025 Steps Forward Day initiative with the Lower Colorado River Authority.
LCRA volunteers will join forces with the city April 11 to repaint the restrooms at Riverbend Park, restripe the parking lot and repaint the fence at the Smithville Recreation Center and refresh the sidewalk at the Smithville Public Library.
The city will provide supplies, and LCRA will bring 20-25 volunteers to support the project.
$2.4M for flood mitigation
The city has received $2.4 million in funding for critical flood mitigation projects, following approval of a joint application with Bastrop County, from the General Land Office’s Hurricane Harvey program.
Part of a larger $52.25 million allocation, this funding will support improvements to Smithville’s stormwater management infrastructure, including the enlargement of drainage channels and the construction of a new storm sewer system, according to Tamble.
The city plans to deepen and expand the existing detention pond near Smithville High School, improving its capacity to manage stormwater runoff, and help mitigate flood risks in several low-lying areas of Smithville, including the Webster Street corridor.
The council already began moving forward with plans to address flooding through the construction of a regional detention pond along Texas 230, Faulkner Road, Oak Meadows Drive and Lueders Lane.
The project will include 2,000 linear feet of storm sewer, set to begin this month.
Construction is expected to take about 270 days, mitigating risks and addressing long-standing flooding issues in the surrounding area, officials said.
Recycling program continues
The city’s permit-based program with the Smithville Recycling Center, implemented last year, will continue in 2025 to help cover operational costs.
Recycling services were previously available free of charge for decades.
A $50 membership renewal fee for residents is due by Jan. 31, $100 for non-residents.
Renewals can be completed at City Hall, 317 Main St. Customers should bring their 2024 recycling membership cards to receive a 2025 sticker, valid through Dec. 31.
