Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Barron Casteel, Mayor
Contact Info
(830) 221-4280 - bcasteel@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Presentation, discussion, and approval of a resolution requesting financial assistance from the State of Texas by and through the Governor and the legislature to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority for the costs of repair, reconstruction, and maintenance of critical infrastructure located at Lake Dunlap, Lake McQueeney, Lake Placid, Meadow Lake, Lake Gonzales, and Lake Wood.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority is a water conservation and reclamation district created by the State of Texas in 1933, that acquired six dams in 1963, that were constructed in the 1920’s and 1930’s, including the hydroelectric dams at Lake Dunlap, Lake McQueeney, Lake Placid, Meadow Lake, Lake Gonzales, and Lake Wood. There have been two spillgate failures with the most recent occurring at Lake Dunlap on May 14, 2019, and the other at Lake Wood in 2016. These failures have resulted in ongoing catastrophic economic impacts to these communities and have impacted local taxing entities.
The residents and surrounding communities are justifiably concerned that without the necessary funding from the State, the negative impacts from the dam failures will be realized with the decline in property values and the decimation of the quality of life for these lake front communities and taxpayers. The State of Texas must provide funds to GBRA so that the severe economic impact on lake related businesses is minimized and these businesses remain in operation and continue to contribute to the regional economy
In order to assist these communities, the City of New Braunfels City Council respectfully requests the State of Texas, the Governor, and the state legislature to provide significant and necessary financial assistance to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority for the repair, reconstruction, and maintenance of critical infrastructure including dams, located on State of Texas waterways, and specifically at Lake Dunlap, Lake McQueeney, Lake Placid, Meadow Lake, Lake Gonzales, and Lake Wood.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
N/A