Media contact: Robert Cullick, 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 4086

AUSTIN — Based on extensive public input and data from initial studies, LCRA officials said Nov. 15 that more time will be needed to identify the most appropriate site or sites for facilities associated with the proposed LCRA-SAWS Water Project.

“Public participation is important in this process. We are listening carefully to landowners, elected officials and the public and taking their comments, suggestions and concerns into account as we go forward with the process,” said LCRA General Manager Joe Beal.

“We are sensitive to the uncertainty this creates for landowners and we have assured them we will make a decision as quickly as we can,” Beal said. “This may be the most important decision we make during the study phase, and we do not want to rush it.”

The proposed project would help meet long-term water needs in the lower Colorado River basin and the San Antonio area and has been called a model for interregional water planning in Texas. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) are studying the project from many angles to learn more about its potential cost and benefits in the basin.

Potential sites for holding basin
In May LCRA notified landowners in Colorado, Wharton and Matagorda counties that their property was being studied as a potential site for one or more water holding basins that would be built if the project goes forward.

Since then, LCRA staff has held multiple meetings with landowners, the public and other stakeholders and has given presentations to local elected bodies and civic and community groups. In September the LCRA Board of Directors adopted a resolution specifically to address public concerns and provide direction to staff on several issues related to the project.

In addition, initial scientific and technical studies of the sites have produced a great deal of data and information that require further study.

“We take seriously our responsibility to carefully study these sites and consider their potential impacts to landowners, surrounding communities and the environment,” said Leah Manning, LCRA program manager for the project.

LCRA plans to conduct further studies and identify the preferred holding basin site or sites by next summer. LCRA also is extending the timeline for filing a federal permit application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers because the application must identify the proposed sites for the project’s facilities. LCRA originally was going to file the application in December and now plans to do so later next year to allow the extra time needed to fully study the potential sites.

Eight studies under way
Independent consultants are conducting eight studies during a six-year study phase set to end in 2010. A panel of scientists and others who are nationally recognized experts in their fields is reviewing the study’s findings.

SAWS is funding the estimated $42 million cost of studies unless the project does not proceed, in which case LCRA and SAWS will share the cost. Federal, state and local permitting processes will take place during the study period.

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.

Both LCRA and SAWS have agreed the project will not go forward if the study phase shows costs are too high, not enough water is available, or the project doesn’t meet the legislative protections.

The public can learn 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.