The city’s Resource Recovery Department continues its push toward its goal of Zero Waste by 2040 by doubling its current program to test curbside compost collection. Officially calling it the Curbside Organics Collection Pilot, city officials are hoping they can convince residents in selected neighborhoods to put their food scraps, yard waste and unrecyclable paper […]
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Posted inDevelopment, Local Government, Resources
LCRA raises permit fees for developers to recover 100 percent of cost
Developers along the Highland Lakes will be paying more for construction permits as part of the Lower Colorado River Authority’s effort to keep what’s left of its water supply as clean as possible. The LCRA Board of Directors approved the increase in permit fees in areas under the Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance Wednesday. It is […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment, Local Government, Resources
LCRA to consider shifting watershed ordinance fees to developers
For the first time ever, the Lower Colorado River Authority may raise fees to develop within the Highland Lakes watershed. The only question seems to be how much of those fees will be passed on to developers. The measure – up for a vote Wednesday at the LCRA’s February board of directors meeting – […]
Posted inLocal Government, Resources
Confederation of water utilities presses rate case against Austin
A group of local water districts continues to press their case against the City of Austin, claiming that the city’s wholesale water rates are unrelated to the cost of providing service. Both the Citizens for Fair Rates and the Austin Water Utility say they are in talks over a possible settlement of the case, but […]
Posted inLocal Government, Resources, Uncategorized
Travis County Commissioners back LCRA emergency drought order
Travis County Commissioners voted Tuesday to back the Lower Colorado River Authority’s 2014 emergency drought order that would again limit the release of Highland Lakes water to agriculture interests downstream. The three-member Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are expected to take final action today amid new discouraging information about the drought. TCEQ’s executive director […]
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Renewable energy pioneer retires from Austin Energy
Michael Osborne, long-time entrepreneur, author, and renewable-energy pioneer in Texas, is turning another page in his storied career. Over the past four decades, Osborne has built energy-friendly homes; developed the first wind farm in Texas; helped form the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, marketed solar and wind equipment around the state, and found time […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Resources
City’s General Fund ends fiscal year 2013 with $14 million surplus
The City of Austin’s General Fund ended fiscal year 2013 with a $14.2 million surplus. That figure amounts to a roughly 1 percent variance from projections made by city staff. Despite the positive figure, Austin’s Chief Financial Officer Elaine Hart told members of the Council’s Audit and Finance Committee Wednesday that management was not […]
Posted inResources
Austin Water says conservation measures cutting into bottom line
Austin Water Utility officials reported to the Council’s Audit and Finance Committee Wednesday that the utility had overestimated its FY2013 revenue figure by nearly $10 million. The culprit, according to utility Chief Financial Officer David Anders, was a drop in both residential and commercial water use thanks to Stage 2 drought restrictions. Though the […]
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Austin Energy backs retiring city’s share of Fayette plant in 2025
Shifting position on the Fayette Power Project, Austin Energy has recommended retiring, rather than selling, its share of the controversial coal-burning plant. The recommendation calls for the city to establish a shut-down date of 2025, nearly a decade later than environmentalists are seeking. The additional time would help avoid potentially difficult legal, regulatory and […]
Posted inResources, Uncategorized
Austin Energy willing to consider changes in solar incentive program
Austin Energy officials Tuesday told members of the Austin City Council’s Emerging Technology and Telecommunications Committee that they are willing to explore changes in the city’s solar incentive program that could allow utility solar customers to roll over credits for surplus energy generation from year-to-year. Under the current policy any credits that solar unit owners have […]
Posted inDevelopment, Resources
Zoning and Planning Commission OKs water treatment plant variances
A proposed water treatment plant for Travis County Water Control and Improvement District 17 continues to clear city hurdles, despite staff’s concerns. This past Tuesday, the Zoning and Platting Commission voted to approve variances that will allow increased impervious cover, reduced natural area and more building height. Commissioners voted 5-1 in favor of the […]
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Memo cites major legal hurdles for city to get out of coal plant
The City of Austin faces formidable legal hurdles and potentially significant costs if the City Council decides to sell or shut down the city’s share of the coal-fired Fayette Power Project, according to a new city Law Department memo. Potential problems arise from the city’s participation agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority on […]