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, Section 59 Article XVI Texas Constitution; Chapter 375, Texas Local Government Code; and Chapter 3855. The District is subject to confirmation election by the voters.
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, power to provide improvement projects, and may create or be a member of non-profit corporations.
4) Overlapping Services – The stated boundaries for Tracts 2, 3, 5 and 6 form closures, however Tracts 1 and 4 do not. There is insufficient information provided in the bill to determine if the District overlaps any water supply or sewer‑service corporations, investor‑owned utilities, or local water districts or authorities. A revised metes and bound description for Tracts 1 and 4 (preferably with the source Abstract listed), an area map containing at least two references points (major road names, road intersections) and the proposed district’s geographic location mapped within Tarrant County is needed to complete overlapping service check. The Tracts 1, 4, 5 and 6 may overlap Tarrant Regional Water District, the Tracts 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 may overlap City of Fort Worth, the Tracts 1 and 5 may overlap City of Grand Prairie and the Tracts 2 and 3 may overlap City of Arlington.
5) TCEQ's Supervision – In the event the District issues bonds to finance water, wastewater, or drainage projects it will require review by TCEQ. Otherwise, the District is not subject to TCEQ supervision.
6) Water Use – According to TWDB 2004 Water Use estimates, 94 percent of Tarrant County water use was for municipal purposes, with 4 percent for manufacturing. Ninty-four percent of the total and municipal water use comes from surface water sources.