In addition to $5.2 billion in losses to Texas agriculture, the economic impact of drought is expanding to other critical industries like tourism and real estate, according to an article published on the Texas Tribune website.
Particularly as lake levels plummet, the market for water activities and recreational real estate properties are on the decline. "From what I'm hearing from restaurant owners on the lake, from boat owners, it's almost ground to a stop," Karen Huber, a Travis County commissioner, said of businesses along Lake Travis near Austin.
Selling houses along the barren lakes has been difficult for Texas real estate agents, according to San Angelo-area realtor Mike Newlin.
"Somebody might buy a property if there wasn't any water in the lake knowing that someday it's going to rain again, but I bet the prices would go down quite a bit," Newlin said. "It's such a scary situation. People really, I don't think, have fully considered what would come about if that happened - if the lake was drained."
If your route to the lake crosses Mansfield Dam, build in some extra time. TxDOT crews are working on the RM 620 bridge in front of the dam, repairing expansion joints, upgradin...
Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm election opens Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Friday, Oct. 30. Registered Travis County voters can use any countywide polling site during...
The first strong cold front of the fall is expected to push through the Austin area early Friday, Oct. 16, and boaters on Lake Travis should plan for rough conditions. According...
