LCRA is a conservation and reclamation district created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. (See The LCRA Enabling Legislation.) It has no taxing authority and operates solely on utility revenues and fees generated from supplying energy, water and community services.

LCRA supplies low-cost electricity for Central Texas, manages water supplies and floods in the lower Colorado River basin, develops water and wastewater utilities, provides public parks, and supports community and economic development in 58 Texas counties.

LCRA electricity: reliable, cost-effective
LCRA sells wholesale electricity to more than 40 retail utilities, including cities and electric cooperatives that serve more than 1 million people in 53 counties.

LCRA operates more than 3,300 miles of transmission lines statewide. Under a 1999 state law, it can provide transmission services throughout Texas.

Water management and protection
LCRA manages water supplies for cities, farmers and industries along a 600-mile stretch of the Texas Colorado River between San Saba and the Gulf Coast.

LCRA operates six dams on the Colorado River that form the scenic Highland Lakes: Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Travis and Lake Austin.

LCRA regulates water discharges to manage floods, and releases water for sale to municipal, agricultural and industrial users. The organization helps communities plan and coordinate their water and wastewater needs. It also operates an environmental laboratory and monitors the water quality of the lower Colorado River.

It enforces ordinances that control illegal dumps, regulates on-site sewage systems, and reduces the impact of major new construction along and near the lakes.

Recreational opportunities
LCRA owns about 16,000 acres of recreational lands along the Highland Lakes and Colorado River, with more than 40 parks, natural science centers and nature preserves.

It encourages the use and expansion of these recreational lands through Partnerships in Parks, which supports local efforts to improve park facilities throughout the region.

Community development
In partnership with local communities and businesses, LCRA has helped add about 3,600 jobs and $224 million in capital investment to the region since 1995.

The Community Development Partnership Program has awarded $9 million in matching grants for 550 community development projects since 1995.

The Texas Leadership Institute offers training and development resources to local elected officials and community leaders.