Resource Management Commission unanimously approves 15 Austin Water projects in drinking-water protection zone

The Resource Management Commission on Monday voted unanimously to recommend approval of Austin Water’s capital improvement projects located in the city’s drinking‑water protection zone.

Austin Water financial manager Bridal Guo told commissioners the department had submitted a seven‑page memo and a map showing 15 projects in the protection zone as required under Austin Water Financial Policy Number 8. “In compliance with Austin Water Financial Policy Number 8, we are informing you of these projects and welcome any questions you may have about the individual items,” Guo said.

The memo and presentation list 15 projects with a combined five‑year spending plan of approximately $78,000,000. Ten of the projects are carryovers from the previous CIP cycle; five are new to this year’s plan and are identified in the materials. Martin Tower, infrastructure management division manager, described examples of the five new projects, including a water/wastewater relocation associated with the TxDOT Loop 360/Westlake Drive project, a small‑diameter waterline replacement IDIQ, a medium‑service pump station expansion at the Davis Water Treatment Plant, wastewater replacement in the Eanes area, and corridor work along South Lamar Boulevard from Barton Springs Road to U.S. 290.

Tina Romero, financial management division manager, said because 10 of the projects were included in the previous CIP cycle the department does not anticipate rate impacts from this package. “These projects … were already included in the previous year; we anticipate no rate impacts to the new proposed plan,” Romero said.

Commissioners asked about the geographic extent of the drinking‑water protection zone and the cost savings when Austin Water “piggybacks” on road reconstruction projects to install larger pipe now rather than reopening disturbed streets later. Tower said such coordination can reduce overall delivery and mobilization costs and also minimize repeated street disturbance.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Silverstein moved to adopt the Austin Water CIP projects; Vice Chair Robbins seconded. The Commission took a show‑of‑hands vote; the motion passed unanimously, 7‑0.

What this means: The commission’s recommendation will be included in Austin Water’s budget process and provides the statutorily required review under the referenced financial policy. The presentation materials included a table of the 15 projects and a location map; project spending beyond the five‑year window was provided for reference.

Speakers at the item included Bridal Guo (Austin Water financial manager), Tina Romero (Austin Water financial management division manager), and Martin Tower (Austin Water infrastructure management division manager). The commission recorded a formal motion and unanimous vote in favor of the recommendation.

Looking ahead: The projects will proceed through the city’s budget and approval process as described in the packet materials; individual project timelines and funding beyond five years vary by project and are included in the backup memo provided to the Commission.