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GROWTH CENTER DESIGNATION Georgetown (Williamson County) and San Marcos (Hays County) have been chosen for Growth Center Designation (See Map 2, Chapter I, and Map 3 which follows.) Both Communities are located on Interstate 35 and have excellent highway, rail and air access. Georgetown lies 27 miles to the north of Austin while Round Rock is 31 miles to the south. Both cities are within 30 minutes travel time of Austin. The cities have experienced rapid rates of growth in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Population statistics are presented below. CITY POPULATION - 1960 1970 1980 1988 (EST) Georgetown 5,208 6,395 9,468 16,929 San Marcos 12,713 18,860 23,420 34,434 Georgetown is the county seat of Williamson County and home of Southwestern University. Enrollment was 1,119 for the 1986- 87 regular term. Georgetown Hospital (66 beds with 24 hour emergency room facilities) and a number of nursing homes are located in the area. While the area has historically been an agribusiness center, manufacturing plants in the area make electric motors, structural products and elec.tronic products. Statistics released by EDA in December 1988 documented that Williamson County reached a 24 month unemployment rate greater than the U.S. average rate of 6% for two years, ending September 30, 1988. Bell and Milam Counties (North); Lee and Bastrop Counties (East) and Travis County (South) have also met EDA eligibility criteria as re-development areas. Both the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the City of Georgetown have aggressive economic development programs and are already assuming a leadership role in coordinating local efforts with the area and region. Adequate infrastructure is in place for the short term and being planned for through the year 2020. San Marcos is the county seat of Hays County and the home of Southwest Texas State University. Enrollment was 19,775 for the 1986-87 regular term. Central Texas Medical Center (l09 beds and 24 hour emergency services) a number of nursing homes and specialized treatment centers are located in the area. San Marcos is historically a recreational/educational community but is rapidly becoming an economic center between Austin and San Antonio with varied manufacturing, printing and distribution business. Hays County and San Marcos are approved EDA redevelop- ment areas. Travis County (North) Caldwell County (East) and Comal County (South) showed a 24 month unemployment rate greater than the U.S. average rate of 6% for two Y1:!ars, ending September 30, 1988. The City of San Marcos, Hays County and the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce have aggressive economic development programs and provide adequate leadership in directing local efforts and coordinating with the region. Adequate infrastructure is in place for the short term and planned for th~ near future. ( 33)