Patrick Rose

Rep. Patrick Rose was joined on Saturday by local elected officials and business leaders for the unveiling of the new "Lockhart" highway signs.

Over five years ago, during construction along IH 35, signs that directed thousands of travelers to Lockhart were taken down, and when replaced, did not list Lockhart as a destination. 

Today, 1.6 million people come to Lockhart each year to eat BBQ.  Tourism generates $27.5 million in Caldwell County, supporting 210 jobs, and generating $253,400 in local taxes and $1.7 million in state taxes.

 "Especially during these difficult economic times, we must do everything we can to protect jobs in our community," said Rep. Rose.  "Tourists are critical to our local economy and these new signs will increase Lockhart’s visibility along the IH-35 corridor."

Concerned with the impact the lack of signage would have on tourism to the area, Rep. Rose, the City of Lockhart , the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Corporation, the Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joined forces to get the signs reinstalled.

 "These new signs will guide tourists to Lockhart and allow for our economic development dollars to be spent in other ways to continue to grow our local economy," said Mayor Jimmy Bertram. 

 Two years ago, the Chambers of Commerce, local businesses and the Economic Development Corporation came together to lease a billboard along IH 35 in San Marcos to direct people to Lockhart, at a cost of $18,635 per year.  The 10 highway signs that will be installed by the Texas Department of Transportation will replace the billboard.

 "We know that good transportation services and precise highway signing is important for rapidly growing regions, especially for an area that has a large number of tourists and visitors," said Carlos Lopez, District Engineer of TxDOT’s Austin District which includes Lockhart and Caldwell County.  "As the Bar-B-Que capital of the state, we know many visitors come to Lockhart.  And nobody wants to be delayed when they’re on the hunt for great BBQ!"

 Rep. Rose also thanked former Mayor Ray Sanders, Economic Development Director Sandra Mauldin, the City Council, both Chambers of Commerce and Sen. Glenn Hegar’s office for their work in making this day possible.

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