Media contacts: Robert Cullick, 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 4086, or Merrell Foote, Ext. 3234

AUSTIN — Business leaders and economic development professionals from Colorado, Wharton and Matagorda counties met in Wharton on Nov. 20 to discuss potential economic impacts of an interbasin water sharing plan to help meet future needs in Central and South Central Texas.

The topic was a socioeconomic study that is part of a six-year study period for the proposed LCRA-SAWS Water Project. Fourteen representatives from cities, counties, economic development corporations and chambers of commerce attended the workshop. The study is being done by the Austin office of CH2M Hill, an international consulting firm headquartered in Colorado.

“We will have a much better picture of the project’s potential effects on agriculture, industries, wetlands and bird habitat, local tax revenues, property values, and other important aspects of the area’s economy,” said Susan Butler, CH2M water resources manager.

After Butler presented an overview of the study process and eventual report, LCRA economic development staff asked for questions and feedback, especially on any key local economic factors that should be included in the study.

Important questions raised
Participants raised important questions, concerns and ideas that CH2M Hill and LCRA will try to address in the study. One suggestion was to study current coastal area population trends tied to urban growth in Houston, not just historical population data. Another was to study the economic value of businesses linked to aquaculture such as catfish farms and winter fishing.

Other important local economic factors were identified, such as an increasing number of second-home buyers in the area, the value of the turf grass industry, the availability of water for future industrial and municipal growth, and growth, tourism and recreation along the river itself.

“We really appreciate the comments, ideas and concerns raised during the workshop. It’s important for the study to involve economic development experts and business leaders from these counties, because they know firsthand what’s happening in the region’s economy,” said Fran Irwin, LCRA manager of Community and Economic Development.

Background on the project
The LCRA-SAWS Water Project is a proposal to help meet long-term water needs in the lower Colorado River basin and the San Antonio area. The study period will provide important information on the project’s estimated cost, water availability, benefits to the basin, and ability to meet legal protections required by the Texas Legislature before the project can proceed.

After the study period, the LCRA Board must find that the project protects and benefits the basin as required by House Bill 1629, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2001. The SAWS Board must agree to the project’s cost and available water supply. LCRA and SAWS have agreed the project will not go forward if costs are too high, not enough water is available, or the project doesn’t meet the legislative protections.

The project has been called a model for interregional water planning in Texas, and regional water planning groups for both areas have included the proposal in their long-range water plans.

To learn more about the project, the studies and upcoming public meetings and subscribe to free e-mail updates at www.lcra.org/lswp, or by calling 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 7208.