Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) Company Profile

Background

Established in 1933 as the Guadalupe River Authority and reauthorized in 1935 as the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), GBRA is a public corporation dedicated to the conservation, development, and protection of water resources within the Guadalupe River Basin in Texas. Serving a ten-county statutory district—including Kendall, Comal, Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Gonzales, DeWitt, Victoria, Calhoun, and Refugio counties—GBRA's mission is to lead cooperative stewardship of water resources to promote quality of life for all.

Key Strategic Focus

GBRA's strategic objectives encompass:

• Environmental Stewardship: Leading initiatives to protect and conserve the Guadalupe River Basin's ecosystem.

• Water and Wastewater Services: Developing solutions to meet the growing water and wastewater needs of the region's expanding population and economy.

• Recreational Opportunities: Enhancing public access to recreational activities within the basin.

• Operational Excellence: Providing superior water and wastewater services, implementing centralized asset management, leveraging technology for growth and efficiency, and managing financial resources prudently.

• Collaborative Engagement: Engaging with communities, customers, and thought leaders, and expanding involvement with national, regional, and state organizations.

• Workforce Development: Recruiting and retaining high-quality team members, developing robust workforce plans, and fostering a safety culture aligned with industry best practices.

• Integrated Communications: Enhancing reputation and brand awareness through strategic communications and public outreach.

Financials and Funding

GBRA operates as an enterprise fund, relying on user fees for services such as raw and treated water sales, water and wastewater treatment, hydroelectric power, recreation, and water quality management. It does not possess taxation authority.

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Summary:

• Total Operating Revenues: $65,022,822

• Total Non-Operating Revenues: $36,607,777

• Total Revenues: $101,630,599

• Total Operating Expenses: $62,443,935

• Total Non-Operating Expenses: $16,544,119

• Total Expenses: $78,988,054

• Total Debt Service Principal Payments: $16,666,835

• Total Construction/Project Development: $29,807,404

In July 2022, the Texas Water Development Board approved $112,335,000 in financial assistance from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) program to GBRA for planning, acquisition, design, and construction of a regional water supply project. This project aims to enhance groundwater production and expand water treatment capacity to meet the needs of the region's growing population.

Pipeline Development

GBRA is actively involved in several key projects:

• Carrizo Water Treatment Plant: Scheduled to commence operations in Summer 2024, this plant is a collaboration between GBRA and the Alliance Regional Water Authority. It will treat water from Carrizo well fields, providing a new supply source for customers in the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. The facility includes a 19.5 million gallons per day (MGD) water treatment plant and an extensive transmission system.

• Seawater Desalination Project: In 2015, GBRA received $8,000,000 from the SWIFT program to conduct a feasibility study for an Integrated Water and Power Project. This project aims to divert and treat seawater from the Gulf of Mexico, providing additional water supplies and source diversification for central and Gulf coastal regions of South Texas.

Technological Platform and Innovation

GBRA leverages advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance its operations:

• Hydroelectric Power Generation: Operating multiple hydroelectric dams along the Guadalupe River, GBRA generates renewable energy, contributing to the region's power supply.

• Water Treatment Technologies: Utilizing micro-filtration and gravity sand filtration systems in its water treatment plants to ensure high-quality drinking water.

• Asset Management: Implementing centralized asset management programs to maintain infrastructure efficiently and ensure long-term sustainability.

Leadership Team

GBRA is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor of Texas, each serving six-year terms. Key members include:

• Dennis L. Patillo: Chair, representing Victoria County. President of Evangelynn Hospitality LLC and former president of Stewart Title of the Coastal Bend Inc. Reappointed in 2021; term expires in 2027.

• James P. Cohoon: Vice-Chair, representing Kendall County. Managing member of Leger, Ketchum and Cohoon, PLLC. Appointed in 2023; term expires in 2027.

• Robert E. Blaschke: Secretary/Treasurer, representing Refugio County. Former Refugio County Judge and DuPont Company retiree. Appointed in 2023; term expires in 2029.

• William Carbonara: Director, representing DeWitt County. Account executive at JHC Insurance Agency. Reappointed in 2020; term expires in 2025.

• John P. Cyrier: Director, representing Caldwell County. Owner of Someday Strategies, LLC, and former Texas State Representative. Appointed in 2023; term expires in 2029.

• Steve Ehrig: Director, representing Gonzales County. Owner and partner of Ehrig Brothers Ag, E Barr Feeds, and E Brothers Ranches. Reappointed in 2025; term expires in 2031.

• Jennifer Storm: Director, representing Hays County. CEO of the Buda Economic Development Corporation. Appointed in 2025; term expires in 2031.

• Sheila L. Old: Director, representing Guadalupe County. President of The Old Law Firm. Appointed in 2021; term expires in 2027.

• Emanuel Valdez: Director, representing Comal County. Software Consulting Manager with BMC Software, Inc. Reappointed in 2023; term expires in 2029.

Leadership Changes

In 2023, GBRA appointed James P. Cohoon as Vice-Chair and John P. Cyrier as Director, representing Kendall and Caldwell counties, respectively. Additionally, Robert E. Blaschke was appointed as Secretary/Treasurer, representing Refugio County.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The water conservation and reclamation industry in Texas is characterized by a network of river authorities and water districts, each managing specific river basins and regions. These entities are responsible for water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation, among other services. The market is influenced by factors such as population growth, urbanization, climate variability, and regulatory frameworks.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the region include:

• Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA): Manages the lower Colorado River basin, providing water supply, electricity generation, and flood control.

• San Antonio River Authority (SARA): Oversees the San Antonio River basin, focusing on water quality, flood control, and recreational services.

• Brazos River Authority (BRA): Manages the Brazos River basin, offering water supply, wastewater treatment, and environmental stewardship.

These organizations share similar functions with GBRA, including water resource management, hydroelectric power generation, and environmental conservation.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

GBRA has engaged in significant collaborations to enhance its services:

• Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA): Partnered on the Carrizo Water Treatment Plant project to provide a new water supply source for the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio.