Round Rock to Taylor Highway Set for Economic Boom with 196,000 Jobs and $24.3 Billion Impact!

Round Rock to Taylor Highway Set for Economic Explosion!

Round Rock is buzzing with excitement! The stretch of U.S. Highway 79 running from Round Rock to Taylor, and further to College Station, is being hailed as one of the hottest spots for advanced manufacturing not just in Texas, but across the entire United States. That’s right, folks—this wasn’t just a passing comment; it’s a game-changer for the local economy!

A Star on the Rise

In 2021, site selector John Boyd Jr. declared this segment of highway “the most prized industrial real estate in the entire U.S.” Fast forward three years and Boyd is tipping his hat to the truth of his prediction, saying, “It certainly has come true.” Large industrial parks, major corporations like Tesla and Samsung setting up shop, and a slew of housing developments and data centers are sprouting like wildflowers in the area.

Boyd’s forward-looking comments echo the findings of a recent report from the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership. Their study zoomed in on five major projects along this thriving corridor, spotlighting a stunning economic impact. These projects include not only the Samsung plant but also Soulbrain Holdings’ phosphoric acid plant, the Hutto MegaTech Center, Skybox Datacenters, and an advanced manufacturing park located at the former Alcoa site.

Jaw-Dropping Numbers

According to the analysis by the Waco-based Perryman Group, the projected benefits from these projects are nothing short of incredible: around 196,400 jobs and a whopping $24.3 billion in annual gross product for Milam County! Williamson County is also set to enjoy the fruits of their labor, expected to gain around 34,700 jobs and $4.9 billion in annual gross product. Ray Perryman, who led the study, summed it up perfectly: “The U.S. 79 Corridor is emerging as a magnet for expanded technology development that will have profound positive impacts on local economies for decades to come.”

But hold on, this is still just the tip of the iceberg! The study doesn’t even account for the numerous projects linked to Tesla and various Samsung suppliers that are jockeying for space in the RCR Taylor Logistics Park, or the potential semiconductor factory making its way to Bryan. Talk about explosive growth!

Ready, Set, Go!

Dave Porter, who leads the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, emphasized the clear signs of growth along Highway 79. “If you drive along U.S. Highway 79, you can see the tremendous activity,” he remarked. Development is in full swing, and the potential for a bustling, advanced manufacturing corridor is already taking shape. With such momentum, Porter hints at the future being “really fun to watch over the next few years.”

This exciting $66,000 study was funded by a collaboration of local economic development agencies. One of the primary goals was to identify any roadblocks that could hamper progress. A significant concern—housing shortages. The forecast suggests that Taylor will need about 8,600 new housing units for its projected population growth; Hutto could see a demand for around 11,700 new homes; and Rockdale might need a staggering 19,800 new housing units. With all this growth, it’s clear that providing home for the new residents is going to be a substantial task!

Keeping Up with Traffic Needs

Traffic is another hurdle that will need some TLC, especially since local residents have expressed concerns over new road extension projects. Yet despite these challenges, Porter remains optimistic, asserting that interest from companies wanting to invest in the area is at an all-time high.

With the combination of two robust industrial markets—from U.S. 79 to State Highway 130—this area has a competitive edge over other regions vying for investment. Further, the availability of shovel-ready sites, like what you find in the RCR Taylor Logistics Park, positions Williamson County as a favored choice for major players in advanced manufacturing and technology.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

The competition to attract major projects is fierce, especially with states like Tennessee and Georgia pulling out all the stops to lure businesses with specially developed sites. This brings us back to the essential point: connectivity is key. Boyd stresses that “Economic development success today is all about connectivity,” placing U.S. 79 in a prime position to attract investment.

As the planning and groundwork continue, the future looks not just bright, but dazzling for Round Rock, Taylor, and beyond. Rockdale is also gearing up for its time in the limelight, with economic leaders there expressing their enthusiasm about what’s brewing in their neck of the woods.

With all this exciting news on the horizon, it’s safe to say that the U.S. Highway 79 corridor is one area you’ll want to keep an eye on in the coming years—it’s bound to make headlines!