Lower Colorado River Authority to invest billions in power, water, broadband to support growth

The Lower Colorado River Authority is set to invest billions in infrastructure across its service area to address the needs of Central Texas' growing population.

What you need to know

The authority announced its investment and business plan for fiscal year 2026-27 on May 21. The plan projects water demand will grow "significantly" through 2031, alongside electrical demand.

Plans show power, water and broadband infrastructure development account for $1.8 billion for just FY 2026-27. The funds will come from the authority's on revenues and debt, with no state appropriations included, a news release states.

The details

Over the next five years, the LCRA also plans to invest $8.6 billion in electric transmission projects to expand power capacity across its service area to support electrical grid reliability and resilience.

Additionally, the authority announced the Arbuckle Reservoir, which could add 13 billion gallons of water to the Central Texas water supply. Along these lines, the LCRA plans to invest another $153 million over the next five years to develop new water projects and dam rehabilitation.

What else?

The authority will also make investments in its broadband, fiber internet and radio system, enhancing connectivity. This includes a project in partnership with the Kerrville Public Utility Board to build telecommunication infrastructure for a flood warning system in Kerr County. Construction on this project has already begun, according to a news release.