JBM S.B. 1879 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


NATURAL RESOURCES
S.B. 1879
By: Wentworth (Krusee)
4-30-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, Williamson County is included only in the electric service area
of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) while receiving its water
services from the Brazos River Authority (BRA).  In 1995, a historic
agreement was signed by the BRA and LCRA which created the "Alliance" to
cooperate on the conservation, planning, and development of regional water
resources in Williamson County.  This bill would allow LCRA to provide
water services within Williamson County. 

PURPOSE

To allow the LCRA to provide water services within Williamson County.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article 8280-107, V.T.C.S. (Lower Colorado River
Authority Act), by adding Section 27, as follows: 

Sec.  27.  Authorizes the LCRA to purchase, contract, acquire, own,
operate, repair, improve, or extend any facility necessary or convenient
to provide water services in Williamson County in cooperation with another
special district, a municipality, or another governmental entity.
Prohibits the district from providing water services in the watershed of
the Brazos River unless the district obtains in writing the consent of the
BRA before services are provided.  Authorizes the district to transfer
surface water from the district to a place in Williamson County that is
outside the watershed of the Colorado River only if the transfer is made
to a municipality that is a district water customer on the effective date
of this section and located in the watersheds of both the Colorado River
and the Brazos River. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.