A goat sits by a deck on the dry lake bed of what was once Lake Wood. In the Guadalupe River Valley, 40 miles northeast of San Antonio, six hydroelectric dams built in the late 1920s and early 1930s created Lakes Wood, Dunlap, Placid, McQueeney and Gonzales, as. By the end of the day, Lake Wood was totally drained. Charlie Hickman, the GBRAs executive manager of engineering, said the authority hired divers and engineers to help inspect the broken gate and those still functioning at the dam. Controversy erupted. Revenues from the sale of hydroelectric power at each lake will go to the WCID for that lake moving forward. . The property owners always have been the workforce behind the lakes upkeep. Just as important, this GBRA settlement, and the other positive and productive steps that FOLM and others have worked hard to achieve over the last year, have given the residents and especially registered voters of Lake McQueeney an opportunity to control our own destiny. Importantly, the parties agreed that the spill gates and water levels on Lake McQueeney shall be maintained at specifically defined normal operating water levels from the date of this settlement until repair and replacement construction begins at which time water levels The WCID for Lake Dunlap was created in February and will move toward a voter confirmation election in November, according to the GBRA. We thank everyone that has reached out asking what they can do to help resolve this legal obstacle standing in the way of implementing the plan developed and overwhelmingly approved by the members of our community. Explore the homes with Waterfront that are currently for sale in McQueeney, TX, where the average value of homes with Waterfront is $515,000. Houston, Texas 77027 . A similar incident occurred in May when a spill gate. Those plans included securing funding, sponsoring engineering and commissioning design work. You have permission to edit this article. The biggest problem is that if they drain this lake, my house is going to decrease in value by 50%. Those expenses were much higher than the revenue produced, he said. The announcement of a settlement between property owners on Lake McQueeney and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) clears the way for immediate steps to be taken to secure the long-term future of their beloved lake some measures in fact are already in motion. Guadalupe County commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday morning on the creation of a water control improvement district for residents who live The GBRA now estimates that repairing all six dams would cost $180 million. This means the registered voters of Lake McQueeney now have a chance to control their own destiny, secure their beloved lake for decades to come, and protect their property values, jobs, economy and the community as a whole. First, as you may have read, heard or seen on the TV news in the last 24 hours, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) yesterday released their statement on the lawsuit settlement about which we reported to you in our July 24 update last week. Figure 2-1: Bear Trap Gate Cross-Section . Please review and consult with a certified arborist if your have additional questions. Some people are keeping their properties in good shape. $73,351 Listed price: US$49,500 McQueeney, Texas, United States. | jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaugh. I feel like if the (lake) gets drained or goes back to its natural state, no one is going to be buying homes out there, she said. What is the status of Lake McQueeney? A native of the Alamo City, Baugh was hired as a suburban-cities reporter at his hometown newspaper in 2006. Lake McQueeney is a reservoir located on the Guadalupe River, west of Seguin, Texas. Hydropower earned the GBRA an average of approximately $2.6 million per year over the last 10 years, GBRA communications manager Patty Gonzales said. In the meantime, the legal battle between the lake dwellers and the GBRA is on hold but the lakes are off-limits to any recreational use for now. Meanwhile, a panel of experts will decide which areas of thelakes are safe to be opened. The ramp is located at an gas easement and is used by the gas company to check their lines. How Winter Fashion Has Changed in 100 Years (PHOTOS), Eerie Vintage Photos of People Battling the Flu, Democratic Republic of the Congo | Franais, State of Vatican City (Holy See) | Italiano, given the dangers associated with these dams. What is the cleanest lake in Texas? If wed been paying more attention to that dog, wed have known what was going to happen to us, Solansky said recently. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. There are people up here who literally have millions of dollars invested in houses, Rose said. For any questions related to the update, please reach out to the GBRA directly through their website. Wood was the first domino that fell, he said, and it should be the first to be put back up. It became a popular area for recreation and for summer homes. Lake McQueeney was created in 1925 by damming the Guadalupe River. The Legislature created the river authority in 1933, expanding it two years later to 10 counties stretching from Central Texas to the Gulf Coast, to conduct an array of work: generating electricity, providing water and wastewater services, handling flood control and managing forests. Friends of Lake Wood president Joe Solansky, left, and Dale Schellenberg, a board member, stand on a deck that they helped construct and once used for recreation at Lake Wood. The collapse drained the lake and left lakefront homes without water recreation. On ExpressNews.com: GBRA, property owners reach a settlement. Close Map. Lake Gonzales. Nothing.. 830.253.5253 Real Estate. Canyon Lake Largemouth Bass are the most abundant gamefish in the reservoir. Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority manages the dam and lake. Edward Rose, 89, frequented Lake McQueeney long before the million-dollar homes started popping up. Harmon said they are hoping to put the issue on the local ballot in May 2020. . On ExpressNews.com: Recreation banned on Guadalupe River lakes. For any questions related to the update, please reach out to the GBRA directly, You've reached the end. in engineering studies and work for Lake McQueeney and Lake Placid. A boat ramp can be seen below. Nine Ways To Tell The Difference. Apartment10.7 mi to Lake McQueeney. Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District No. GBRA officials said water rushed out of the lake at 11,000 cubic feet per second after a Dunlap Dam spillgate failed. The GBRA has applied for zero-interest and low-interest loans from the Texas Water Development Board for replacement and repair projects associated with the aging damns, officials said. 1 is pleased to announce that the appeal in the matter of Steven L. Bruington and Nancy R. Bruington, Appellants v. Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District In recent weeks, FOLM has also received letters from four key state legislators that make it clear to all reasonable persons why our supporting our WCID in this falls election is our only way to address this crisis. And so we have this gate to repair, he said. Northern Lights Dance Over National Park In Alaska, New York City Sees First Inch-Plus Snowfall Of The Season, Cold Or Flu? In 1990 the . The agency doesnt assess any taxes or get money from the state. But FOLM will continue to be involved and work to improve the quality of the Lake and to be a resource for members going forward. Lake McQueeney Estates. To reiterate, this settlement with the GBRA constitutes a huge step forward towards repairing the Lake McQueeney dam. ft. house located at 709 Salobre, Schertz, TX 78108. Thats a comprehensive overhaul, not just of the spillgates themselves, but everything you need to do to address a 90-year-old structure, Hickman said. GBRA and the plaintiffs in the Guadalupe Valley Lakes litigation have agreed to a settlement of a temporary injunction that prevents the lakes from being dewatered for 12 months, while creating additional assurances to prioritize the safety of those on and around the lakes, As part of the settlement, a panel of three experts will be appointed to decide what, if any, areas of each lake would be safe for activity given the compromised nature of the dams, GBRA and the plaintiffs will each appoint an expert to the panel. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. Steve and Nancy Bruington have continued the appeal of their election contest to disqualify the November vote in which approximately 90% of voters approved the ballot initiatives necessary to finance and repair the McQueeney Dam. Hickman said that hydropower revenue was used entirely to cover the cost of maintaining the dams, which were all built by private developers between 1928 and 1932. It's easy to unsubscribe if we're not a good fit for you. The level of deterioration was really significant, Hickman said. It also closes the lakes to all activity, starting Thursday. Modern kitchen with all new appliances. State Representative Lyle Larson, who chairs the Texas House Committee on Natural Resource, says: It has been my privilege to chair the House Natural Resources Committee. Also below is link to the current timeline, which is subject to change. The dam was built in 1931. Lake McQueeney Drawdown Notice On ExpressNews.com: Dunlap residents reach proposed deal to bring back lake. They announced that board members expected an official notice to be released at www.gvlakes.com on Monday. A spill gate on the dam collapsed in 2016 and hasnt been repaired. The Lake McQueeney Dam is one of six hydroelectric dams managed by the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority. 1200 Terminal Loop Rd McQueeney, Tx 78123 830-560-3180 Caught a few crappie holding on some brush piles in 10 feet of water. A pile under a house that used to be on the shore of Lake Wood is marked with the water levels of three major floods in the past 21 years. Now, theyre a source of controversy and dissent as residents and business owners spar with an agency that considers the dams inefficient and unnecessary for power generation. Find Your Home. The permit form below needs to be completed and approved prior to starting any waterfront construction or dredging on GBRA Hydroelectric Lake Dunlap, located in Comal and Guadalupe Counties; Lakes McQueeney, Placid and Nolte located in Guadalupe County; and Lake Gonzales (H-4) and Lake Wood (H-5) located in Gonzales County, Texas. Mary Claire Patton has been a journalist with KSAT 12 since 2015. Private Seller Mc Queeney, TX, 78123 United States View Seller Inventory Send Email Request Information. Management of the dam and lake was assumed by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority on May 1, 1963. The dam on the Guadalupe River at Lake Wood shows the damage, at right, from the collapse of a spill gate in 2016 that caused the lake to drain. The Lake McQueeney WCID 1 Board of Directors understands many residents who were unable to attend the February 15, 2023 meeting may have questions regarding the project- and election-related topics discussed, and the subsequent conversations occurring on local social media. The GBRA, which bought the dams in 1963, says that for years, the revenue from electricity sales hasnt been enough to cover the full cost of repairs, never mind the estimated $180 million needed to replace every spill gate on all six dams with modern, automated ones. No. An article in the June 7, 1942, edition of the San Antonio Light criticized the GBRA: It has not generated a spark of electricity, unless the board of directors keep an official cat whose fur they stroke on cold, dry days. The house has been completely renovated, literally from the ground up. The Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District 1 Board of Directors will be having a regular, The official notice has been released by the GBRA on the GVLakes.com website. All 3 bedrooms have ceiling fans and house has central heating and AC. In August 2019, the GBRA announced that Lake Gonzales, Meadow Lake, Lake Placid and Lake McQueeney would be drained due to concerns over aging dams. No one was hurt in the Lake Dunlap collapse. This is a carousel. The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court recently approved the creation of the Lake Placid WCID, and a voter confirmation election will occur in November, GBRA officials reported. The settlement agreement will allow GBRA to continue maintaining current operating levels on each lake until work begins on the spillgate replacement and repairs on that lakes dam.. At this point, it's dropped about seven feet, leaving the lake unusable for most recreational activities. View full public notice. Hickman said it would take three days to drain each, a controlled drawdown timed in consultation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. I got one word for it in the last three months: Its been devastating, said J Harmon, president of the Preserve Lake Dunlap Association, who has lived near the lake for 15 years. Which City Is the Worst for Fall Allergies This Year? This month, the GBRA sent 1,454 certified letters to lakeside residents advising them to prepare for water levels to begin dropping on Sept. 16. In August 2019, the GBRA announced that Lake Gonzales, Meadow Lake, Lake Placid and Lake McQueeney would be drained due to concerns over aging dams. Lake McQueeney is a 400-acre lake which is a dammed section of the Guadalupe River. The drawdown needs to be completed ahead of construction to allow the lakebed time to dry out The lake drained away, and the dam wasnt repaired. We love San Antonio, just like you. Will the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) move forward with plans to drain our beloved Lake? Thanks to this settlement, the newly created Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) will receive 100 percent of the hydroelectric revenues from the dams. Joe Solansky, president of the Friends of Lake Wood, said more than 100 people had gathered at that lakeside meeting. State Senator Charles Perry, who chairs the Senate Committee on Water and Rural Affairs, adds: For those that do not understand the need to create a tax levy for the maintenance and upkeep of these structures, let me be clear: these are not the states responsibility. Officials say they cant legally use GBRA money from other sources water sales and wastewater treatment, for example on the dams. Where there was once Lake Wood is now vegetation and trees. Read the Hydrilla alert and learn more about harmful plant life. Among other things, the Bruingtons appeal prevents the WCID from taking the steps approved by the voters to address the McQueeney Dam. 3 Beds. Read how to be prepared for a flood and stay safe on the lake, Read about tips on how to safely boat on Lake McQueeney, Friends of Lake McQueeneyPO Box 781McQueeney, TX 78123, Copyright Lake McQueeney Organization. It is estimated by experts that obtaining market rate financing will cost the taxpayers an additional $15 million (or more) in interest expense. Read about safety so your family and friends can enjoy the lake. Friends of Lake McQueeney worked hard to develop solutions to preserve our dam and lake. The cost to replace the spillway gates is estimated to cost $179 million, and the work would take several years. 3 Baths. Designed and Hosted by Digital Vision DVMARK.COM, KENS 5 Anchor Aaron Wright introduced their coverage of the GBRA settlement. He is an environmental journalist for Oil & Gas Watch. KENS 5 Anchor Aaron Wright introduced their coverage of the GBRA settlement, he described it as a victory for property owners along the Guadalupe Valley lakes.. On November 3rd, the voters of the Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District #1 overwhelmingly approved all 3 propositions offered and elected the 5 Board members. With the dismissal of this election contest, the District intends to proceed as quickly as possible with GBRA to The message from our state legislative leaders in Austin could not be clearer: the creation of the Lake McQueeney WCID was and is our best option to address this ongoing crisis, and now it is critical that the registered voters of Lake McQueeney confirm the creation of the WCID and the financing of urgent dam repairs this fall. View 51 photos, features and a good description. Contact Seller X The drawdown will occur over several days as a part of the environmental risk mitigation plan. 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