Contacts: Mario Aguilar, SAWS, 210-704-7440;
Bill McCann, LCRA, 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 4032, or Lisa Trow, Ext. 2982

AUSTIN -- The San Antonio Water System has approved a study of the proposed LCRA-SAWS Water Project to assess the feasibility of an agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority to provide a future supply of water for San Antonio while ensuring adequate water to the lower Colorado River basin.

The SAWS Board of Trustees on Feb. 17 approved the scope of a study of the proposed LCRA-SAWS Water Project and agreed to fund the first year of the study at a cost of $4 million. LCRA must submit a budget for each year of the six-year feasibility study to SAWS for approval. LCRA's Board of Directors approved a plan defining the feasibility studies in August 2003 and had it forwarded to SAWS for further review and public input.

"We commend SAWS for its foresight in seeking to develop new water supplies and for its prudence in making sure the proper studies will be done before moving forward," said Joe Beal, LCRA's general manager. "With the approval of the project study plan, we've cleared a key hurdle in water planning for both San Antonio and the lower Colorado River basin. These studies will give us a detailed level of understanding before we go forward, and we won't go forward unless this project is good for the lower Colorado River basin."

SAWS Trustees approved the study costs after it had been reviewed by its Citizens Advisory Panel (CAP). The CAP approved the study but added its concern for the escalating costs associated with the project. Both agencies will work closely to target efficiencies to help reduce the costs.

"This is a strategic undertaking by both our organizations and we must take every step slowly to ensure that we continue to be good stewards of our ratepayers' dollars and future water supplies," said SAWS President and CEO Eugene Habiger.

LCRA will spend the next several months advertising for bids and selecting engineering consultants, Beal said.

In February 2002, LCRA and SAWS approved an historic agreement to work together on a long-term, multifaceted water supply project. The project consists of two phases: a study period followed by implementation. The results of the six-year study period will determine whether the project is technically feasible and environmentally and economically sound. Based on the study results, the LCRA and SAWS boards will decide whether to implement the project.

 

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