HUTTO, Texas — Major construction continues in Williamson County, home to some of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
One of those cities seeing major growth is Hutto, with a population of now more than 40,000 people.
More housing and developments are already on the way, including shopping and industrial businesses off Highway 79. That’s where you can find Matt Widmer, owner of the Hutto General Store. It’s a business his family’s owned since 1988.
“It’s grown a lot over the years,” Widmer said. “When we first started we were the only business on the street so definitely has changed … Now the street is full of businesses.”Widmer said he welcomes the growth because it brings in more people. To keep people moving, the county is developing a major road project called the East Wilco Highway.The highway begins south of Hutto and moves through Taylor, which will be home to the Samsung semiconductor plant. It will go all the way up to Jarrell.
Hutto’s Director of Economic Development, Cheney Gamboa, said the highway is big for the city.
“It’s such a game changer for us,” Gamboa said. “We are looking to recruit additional commercial and industrial developments and recruit jobs to the community.”
Once the highway is complete, Gamboa expects more people to stop by their city, and enjoy its restaurants and stores. There’s also another big bonus coming with the East Wilco Highway.
“Anything that gets folks off Interstate 35, I know everyone will appreciate,” Gamboa said.
Widmer is excited too and thinks the highway will be good for some change and growth.
When it’s completed, the East Wilco Highway will have eight total segments. The first three, which include the Hutto area, are expected to be completed by April.