GBRA To Grant Provisional Permits Using Temporary Rate Structure

GBRA recently suspended the issuance of permits to build or modify structures on or adjacent to the hydro lakes in Comal, Guadalupe and Gonzales counties.

SEGUIN, Texas — Following a brief hiatus in the issuing of Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) permits for work performed on property adjacent and/or near its Guadalupe Valley Hydroelectric System, GBRA is implementing a “provisional” permit process using a temporary rate structure with approval from the Board of Directors during its June 21 board meeting.

Hydro lake residents and contractors, who submitted or want to submit an “Application for Modification to Hydroelectric System Properties” in order to install/repair boat docks, boathouses, boat slips, retaining walls or other such structures, may now apply for a provisional permit to conduct the work. The provisional permit fee has been set at $600 and may include an annual renewal fee.

GBRA recently suspended the issuance of permits to build or modify structures on or adjacent to the hydro lakes in Comal, Guadalupe and Gonzales counties. The permit suspension was prompted by a review of GBRA’s lake management policies and procedures to determine if changes should be implemented.

“While the broader lake management review is ongoing, the GBRA Board of Directors has considered the specific policies and procedures related to permits for modification to hydroelectric system properties during today’s meeting,” GBRA General Manager/CEO Kevin Patteson said. “The board’s consideration included an evaluation of the duration of permits, administrative requirements and overall effort involved in GBRA’s lake management programs as well as a determination of an appropriate fee structure,” he added.

GBRA last implemented a rate change related to the modification of hydroelectric system properties in 2006 when the fee was increased from $100 to $300. Over the coming months, GBRA will be working with stakeholders to develop updated processes and procedures related to permitting of structures and lake management. GBRA officials will provide notification when a new board-approved, regular fee structure is adopted.

GBRA Communications and Education staff disseminates press releases to local media and posts accordingly on the press release page of GBRA’s website: www.gbra.org.  Information also is shared through GBRA’s social media accounts: Instagram and Twitter “@GBRATX” and Facebook at “GBRA of Texas.”

The GBRA was established by the Texas Legislature in 1933 as a water conservation and reclamation district. GBRA provides stewardship for the water resources in its 10-county statutory district, which begins near the headwaters of the Guadalupe and Blanco rivers, ends at San Antonio Bay, and includes Kendall, Comal, Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Gonzales, DeWitt, Victoria, Calhoun, and Refugio counties.