Antone's Nightclub
Don't Lose the Lake for the Water
RECEIVED Mon., Feb. 23, 2009
Dear Editor,
After reading the “Dumping the Water Pump” [News, Feb. 20] article by Katherine Gregor, I would like to point out another aspect that should be evaluated. The increased demands on water from the Colorado River are a great revenue opportunity for the Lower Colorado River Authority. Thanks to our state government and LCRA lobbyists, the initial LCRA charter has been rewritten so even non-Colorado River basin water needs are dollar opportunities for the LCRA, such as the Leander Wholesale Potable Water Service Agreement and San Antonio Water System project.
What should not be lost in the discussion seems to be the negative impact on one of the greatest lakes in Texas – Lake Travis. One of my first jobs after graduating from high school was driving ski boats at the Lakeway Marina on Lake Travis for vacationing families. I saw firsthand the beneficial impact the lake has on families as well as the significant economic benefit for Austin and Travis County. Twenty years later, I am worried one of Texas' most precious resources, the beauty of the Highland Lakes, is being lost in the discussion.
As the lake level declines and volatility of the level increases due to increased water demand, the opportunity for my children and yours to enjoy the experience we have had at the lake over the years will be destroyed. Since conservation is working and you can save money by not building WTP 4, why would you build it? Find other shovel-ready projects that can create value rather than destroying value. Value will be destroyed as property values along Lake Travis drop and recreational revenue opportunities plummet if we continue on the current course of draining the lake.
After reading the “Dumping the Water Pump” [News, Feb. 20] article by Katherine Gregor, I would like to point out another aspect that should be evaluated. The increased demands on water from the Colorado River are a great revenue opportunity for the Lower Colorado River Authority. Thanks to our state government and LCRA lobbyists, the initial LCRA charter has been rewritten so even non-Colorado River basin water needs are dollar opportunities for the LCRA, such as the Leander Wholesale Potable Water Service Agreement and San Antonio Water System project.
What should not be lost in the discussion seems to be the negative impact on one of the greatest lakes in Texas – Lake Travis. One of my first jobs after graduating from high school was driving ski boats at the Lakeway Marina on Lake Travis for vacationing families. I saw firsthand the beneficial impact the lake has on families as well as the significant economic benefit for Austin and Travis County. Twenty years later, I am worried one of Texas' most precious resources, the beauty of the Highland Lakes, is being lost in the discussion.
As the lake level declines and volatility of the level increases due to increased water demand, the opportunity for my children and yours to enjoy the experience we have had at the lake over the years will be destroyed. Since conservation is working and you can save money by not building WTP 4, why would you build it? Find other shovel-ready projects that can create value rather than destroying value. Value will be destroyed as property values along Lake Travis drop and recreational revenue opportunities plummet if we continue on the current course of draining the lake.
Thomas Hunt