1999

January

Authority directors approve the first long-term cloud-seeding operation in the Edwards Aquifer region, called the precipitation enhancement program. The $500,000 contract with Weather Modification, Inc. covers the program from April 15 to September 15, 1999. The purpose of the program is to increase rainfall over the Edwards Aquifer region adding recharge and reducing demand.

Authority directors approve the first ten agricultural water conservation loans in the amount of $860,316. These low interest loans provided by the TWDB and administered by the Authority will allow irrigators to install and use groundwater-saving irrigation equipment to improve their irrigation practices.

February

Authority board presents the first A. O. "Odie" Gilliam Agricultural Water Conservation Award to two Knippa, Texas irrigators. Mr. T. David Bishop and Mr. Wes Alspaugh are honored for their efforts to conserve Edwards groundwater with the use of state-of-the-art irrigation systems, including linear low-pressure irrigation systems and drip systems.

Authority directors select three firms to perform the necessary analysis on agency rules. The rules assessment team will prepare the analyses and studies to satisfy state law, and represent the Authority's efforts to meet and exceed all legal requirements for rulemaking.

April

The Authority launches the 1999 precipitation enhancement program. This is the first year of the program sponsored by the Authority with matching funds from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC).

Authority directors approve the Optimization Technical Studies in Support of the Edwards Aquifer Optimization Program report outlining an eight-year research plan at an estimated total cost of almost $17 million. The Authority's share of the total cost is estimated to be $6.04 million.

May

Authority directors approve a contract for up to $500,000 to analyze the Authority's draft rules. The rules assessment team will complete the analysis.

Authority directors establish the Authority's Groundwater Trust (the trust). The trust is a program operated by the Authority for the purpose of providing access to individuals having water rights for lease or sale. A questionnaire is provided to all applicants regarding their interest in leasing or selling their Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Rights. Results from the questionnaire are posted on the Authority’s web site and are reviewed periodically to confirm the information is current.

September

September 1, 1999 – Senate Bill No. 1272 (S.B. No. 1272) takes effect. S.B. No. 1272 relates to the authority of a political subdivision to prepare and implement a habitat conservation plan (HCP) or enter into a conservation agreement. This bill provides for the establishment of a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to assist in preparing a regional HCP and the application for a federal incidental take permit pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act. A Biological Advisory Team (BAT) must also be established to assist in the calculation of harm to the endangered species and the sizing and configuring of the habitat preserves.

Authority directors approve a $225,000 contract to develop the first phase of the HCP. The Edwards Aquifer Authority Act provides the Authority with the ability to hold a federal incidental take permit pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act. The permit is issued only if the USFWS approves an HCP. The HCP will address the protection of the species that are now, or may become, listed at Comal and San Marcos springs. Phase 1 of the HCP, which includes public participation, data collection and analysis, is to be completed by January 31, 2000. After the completion of Phase 1, a determination will be made regarding Phase 2, which includes preparing and submitting the plan, scheduled to be completed in March 2002.

Authority directors approve nominations to the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). As required by S.B. No. 1272.