Water and healthcare key to community growth

Water and healthcare key to community growth

Written by John Garrett Friday, 07 April 2006

Good healthcare and water supply are often taken for granted by residents until their needs cannot be met. Our focus stories this month show how both cities are working to address these needs.

Area healthcare providers are doing everything they can to ensure quality healthcare to residents without having to travel long distances, assuring that quality treatment can begin as quickly as possible. St David’s Round Rock Medical Center is doubling its size and opened a new heart unit. Other hospitals are in the works to open off University Blvd (formerly Chandler Rd).

The greatest benefit for residents might be competition. Competition drives better services. Although hospital administrators talk about working with each other to serve their community, the desire to be the preferred provider to the area residents spurs each to introduce new, better services.

Hospitals also mean economic development in the respect to jobs, homes and supporting businesses.

We have provided useful information about the local facilities in this issue.

Cities across the state are scrambling to secure future water supplies. The ability for a city to provide residents and industry water will shape future economic development.

Lake Pflugerville is an example of city leaders using foresight to provide water supply for the future. Without this new project, Pflugerville residents would have likely been under water rationing this summer.

City officials in Round Rock are also working to increase water supply for its growing population with a partnership with Cedar Park and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

On another note, we are thrilled to announce that we will be launching the second Community Impact Newspaper this month to the residents in Leander and Cedar Park.

The reception from our readers and advertisers has been overwhelming. Our mission is clear – to continue to provide every resident and business owner local and useful information about its community.

With the addition of the Leander and Cedar Park area, our total mailed distribution is now more than 94,000. Thank you for all of the warm response we have received and thank you for supporting our advertisers.

John Garrett

Publisher