LAKE TRAVIS — The Travis County Commissioners approved an agreement with a consultant Feb. 15 to begin work on a study showing the economic impact of Lake Travis.

The county joined several other entities in November to order a study examining how the Lake Travis water level and quality affects property values, taxes, nearby businesses and the overall economy. Precinct 3 Commissioner Karen Huber said this missing data could be vital in policy decisions for the Lake Travis area.

Robert Charles Lesser & Co. was hired to perform the research. The study is expected to cost about $125,000, though the number could fluctuate if other expenses occur, said Michael Nalick, policy director for Precinct 3. Travis County committed $20,000 to the project and will serve as fiscal agents.

In addition to Travis County, the following cities and entities passed resolutions to help fund the study and served on a steering committee:

    * Briarcliff
    * Jonestown
    * Lago Vista
    * Lakeway
    * Point Venture
    * Volente
    * Austin
    * The Village of the Hills
    * The Hurst Creek Municipal Utility District
    * Lakeway Municipal Utility District
    * The Point Venture Water Control and Improvement District
    * Water Control and Improvement District #17
    * Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce
    * Lago Vista/Jonestown Chamber of Commerce

 

Another member in the group is Samsung, which does not have any facilities near Lake Travis, but Nalick said the company is a heavy water user and requires high-quality water for its operations.

"[Samsung] is a big part of it because they are so dependant on the water," he said.

The study will consist of four phases and is expected to be completed in May, according to the contract.