Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District welcomes new general manager

The Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District continues to make strides in becoming fully operational, now welcoming its new general manager.

The district announced the hiring of Kodi Sawin on April 17, with President Rick Scadden calling it a significant milestone in the development of the organization.

Sawin, a former volunteer for the district has extensive experience in statewide groundwater policy and community outreach, according to a press release from the SWTCGCD. She also served as chief of staff for Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, during Goodwin’s inaugural legislative session.

Establishment of the SWTCGCD was confirmed in the Nov. 5 election by about 75% of voters, covering the last unregulated pocket of the Trinity Aquifer. The district, which works to protect the overall health of the aquifer encompasses West Lake Hills, Bee Cave, Lakeway and other neighboring unincorporated areas.

Since its confirmation election, the SWTCGCD has accomplished a number of milestones, according to the release. The team has secured an official office location, welcomed a seventh and final director and developed a groundwater management plan.

The plan has been submitted to the Texas Water Development Board for prereview; according to SWTCGCD, this is a crucial step is developing the district’s guidelines.

“As we celebrate these milestones and successes in the formation of the district, we also want to publicly thank the many elected officials, community leaders and local volunteers that have come together in a bipartisan effort to establish and support the district for the benefit of residents and business owners in Southwestern Travis County,” Scadden said.