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.