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Top Morning Stories April 26, 2011

The Lower Colorado River Authority has been awarded a permit that could expand its water supply.
Logo courtesy of the LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority has been awarded a permit that could expand its water supply.

LCRA Could Expand Water Supply in the Future

The state’s environmental agency has awarded the Lower Colorado River Authoritya permit to capture water from the Colorado River downstream of Austin during heavy rains and floods.  The water would be stored in reservoirs that would be built in Wharton, Colorado and Matagorda Counties.  Many growing Central Texas communities, including Austin, buy their water from the LCRA.

Central Texas Under Red Flag Warning

A red flag warningis in effect for Central Texas, including Travis County, from 10 a.m until 8 p.m.  The National Weather Service says dry, windy conditions will create critical wildfire conditions.  

The Texas Forest Service is on alert for this area and much of the western third of the state.  Here's more from the Forest Service:

Winds in the 35-40 mph range with gusts up to 60 mph are forecast in the Texas Panhandle on Tuesday. Similar conditions are predicted in West Texas. And over the Possum Kingdom Complex in north Texas, where responders have seen more than 126,000 acres burn in recent days, wind speeds are predicted at 25-30 mph on Tuesday, with gusts of up to 40 mph. Evacuations are common under these conditions, said Texas Forest Service Fire Operations Chief Mark Stanford. Responders, emergency planners, and residents should be prepared to leave immediately.  

Have Your Say on Urban Rail Environmental Study

How would Austin's proposed urban rail system affect the environment?  The city has kicked off the process for an environmental impact study.  Friday is the last day citizens can submit an official written comment on anything they want considered in the environmental study. 

The urban rail line would run from the Mueller redevelopment, through downtown and to the airport.  You can learn more and submit your comments at AustinUrbanRail.com