LCRA and SAWS are in the fifth year of a study period to find out if the project makes sense - technically, environmentally and financially.

Technical experts are conducting the studies. Their findings are being reviewed by an independent panel of nationally renowned scientists and experts in the areas of study.

The studies will provide important data about the basin’s water supplies and environmental needs, the river’s socioeconomic value, and the project’s impact. The studies also will identify options to mitigate, or offset, adverse impacts from constructing, operating and maintaining the project. This could include impacts to the environment, groundwater supplies and property tax revenues, for example.

During the study phase, LCRA and SAWS plan to file applications for federal, state and local permits that will be needed if the project goes forward.

Study plan

A detailed plan of study describes the approach, necessary studies, and anticipated decision processes to complete the study period. The study plan was developed by a team of LCRA and SAWS staff and experts in consulting and academia.

The study plan was developed from March 2002 through August 2003 with assistance, input, and review from the public, a technical advisory group, and an independent science review panel of state and national experts.

The resulting plan represents broad stakeholder input addressing key issues, and key technical review by renowned experts in their fields. LCRA and SAWS are working together to ensure that the studies are comprehensive and have broad scientific review public input.