Austin's Historic Dam Deal for Power
- Austin officially leased its primary dam and power facilities to the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).
- LCRA agreed to take on the critical responsibility of reconstructing and repairing the dam.
- In return, Austin secured a long-term contract to purchase electricity from LCRA.
- This landmark agreement effectively granted LCRA the franchise to manage and operate Austin's vital water and power infrastructure.
Full Transcript
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, September 20, 1937. The meeting was called to order with Mayor Tom Miller presiding. Roll call showed the following members present: Councilmen C. F. Alford, C. M. Bartholomew, Simon G11118, Mayor Tom Miller, and Councilman Oswald G. Wolf, 5; absent, none. Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING, RATIFYING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE AND AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND THE LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY, WHICH CONTRACT IS MADE A PART OF THIS ORDINANCE; LEASING TO THE AUTHORITY THE AUSTIN DAM, POWER HOUSE AND APPURTENANCES, FLOWAGE RIGHTS, RIPARIAN RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES THEREIN DESCRIBED FOR A TERM OF YEARS, ON PAYMENT OF RENTALS AND ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS BET OUT IN SAID CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR OF SAID DAM BY LESSEE, AND PAYMENT FOR SAID IMPROVEMENTS AT COST, LESS DEPRECIATION, AS FULLY SET OUT IN SAID CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR THE PURCHASE BY THE CITY FROM LESSEE OF CERTAIN ELECTRIC ENERGY OR CURRENT ON TERMS AND AT PRICES SET OUT IN SAID CONTRACT; DEFINING AND SETTING OUT THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES UNDER BAID CONTRACT; PROVIDING THAT SAID CONTRACT SHALL OPERATE AS A FRANCHISE CONFERRING ON LESSEE THE RIGHTS AND POWERS TO DO AND PERFORM THE ACTS AND THINGS PROVIDED IN SAID CONTRACT. The ordinance was read the first time and upon motion of Councilman Alford, seconded by Councilman Gillis, the rule was suspended and the ordinance was passed to its second reading by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Bartholomew, G11118, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 5; nays, none. The ordinance was read the second time and upon motion of Councilman Alford, seconded by Councilman Gillis, the rule was further suspended and the ordinance was passed to its third reading by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Bartholomew, Gillis, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 5; nays, none. The ordinance was read the third time and upon motion of Councilman Alford, seconded by Councilman Gillis, the ordinance was finally passed by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Bartholomew, G11118, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 5; nays, none. There being no further business, upon motion of Councilman Alford the meeting was recessed, subject to call of the Mayor. free mehear City Clerk. Approved: Timmilla Mayor 445