The Legislative Budget Board, in cooperation with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), has determined the following:

The bill amends the Special District Local Laws Code by adding Chapter 3855 to create The Lakes Municipal Utility and Management District of Tarrant County (District) as a special district under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution and as a municipal utility district under Chapters 49 and 54. The purpose of the District includes providing works and projects for the benefit of property within its boundaries under the authority of Sections 52 and 52-a, Article III, and Section 59 Article XVI, Texas Constitution; and Chapter 3855.  Section 49.102 of the Water Code does not apply to the District.

1)     Population – The total 2000 Census population of Tarrant County was 1,446,219.  The total population is projected to increase to 1,956,163 by 2020. The city of Arlington had a population of 332,969 in 2000, and is projected to increase to 453,656 by 2020.  The population of Tarrant County that lies outside cities of 500 or more is projected to remain constant at 23,911.

2)     Location – The district is located within Tarrant County. At least a portion of the district lies within the limits of the city of Arlington.

3)  Comments on Powers/Duties Different from Similar Types of Districts – The District will have road powers, economic development powers, and the power to provide improvement projects. The District may be divided into two or more districts.  The District is subject to confirmation election by the voters.   

4)  Overlapping Services – The stated boundaries for Tracts 2, 3, 5, 6, and 6 Save and Except form closures; however, Tracts 1 and 4 do not close. An area map containing at least two reference points (major road names, road intersections) and the proposed district’s geographic location mapped within Grayson County is needed to complete an overlapping services check. A metes and bounds description (preferably with the source abstract listed) is needed. The overlapping service providers for Tract 1 may be City of Fort Worth (CCN No. 12311); City of Grand Prairie (CCN No. 10105); City of Arlington; and, Tarrant Regional Water District.  The overlapping service provider for Tract 2 may be City of Arlington. The overlapping service providers for Tract 3 may be: City of Fort Worth (CCN No. 12311) and City of Arlington.  The overlapping service providers for Tracts 4 and 5 may be: City of Fort Worth (CCN: 12311); City of Grand Prairie; and, Tarrant Regional Water District.  The overlapping service providers for Tracts 6 and 6 Save and Except may be City of Fort Worth (CCN No. 12311) and Tarrant Regional Water District.

5)  TCEQ’s Supervision – TCEQ has limited oversight on the District. The bill specifies that the District’s bonds are not subject to the TCEQ’s jurisdiction or supervision.

6)  Water Use – According to TWDB, 2004 Water Use estimates, ninety-four percent of Tarrant County water use was for municipal purposes, with 4 percent for manufacturing.   94 percent of the total and municipal water use comes from surface water sources.