​​​​Timeline Details (2021 to Present)​

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Engineering Study, Nov 2021 - July 2023​​

In November 2021, the Seguin City Council unanimously approved a resolution to partner with MLNDA to        execute the engineering study for the repair and rehabilitation of Nolte Dam. MLNDA has fully funded the study. We received the results of the first phase of the study in late May 2022. The second phase of the study investigating the operations methodology was finished in July 2023. The studies compared two different options for spillgate replacement, the Obermeyer gates and modernized bear trap gates. GBRA prefers the Obermeyer gate solution. The information contained in the studies does not truly reflect all the work performed by MLNDA representatives, consultants and others to arrive at this point. The studies have produced significant cost savings and provided a path forward towards the ultimate goal of restoring Meadow Lake. The studies can be found here:

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MOU with GBRA, Dec 2021

In December 2021, GBRA Board of Directors authorized the development of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Meadow Lake Nolte Dam Association (MLNDA). Per GBRA, "The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board of Directors authorized the negotiation and execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GBRA and the Meadow Lake Nolte Dam Association (MLNDA) on December 15, 2021. The purpose of the MOU is to indicate both parties intentions to continue discussions regarding the long-term sustainability of Meadow Lake. Continuing discussions may include additional engineering studies of Nolte Dam, the establishment of a Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) and the possible transfer of ownership." The entire MOU can be found here:

 

 

 

Loan Application to TWDB - April 2022

A Project Information Form (PIF) for initial application to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for the Clean Water Revolving Fund was submitted and accepted by the TWDB for inclusion into Fiscal Year 2023’s Intended Use Plan. This would allow a WCID we set up to potentially obtain a low interest loan. Note that the CWIFP loan further described below has better benefits and is preferable.

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Boundary Survey, March - June 2022

In March, we began the survey process with HMT Surveying to map the lakefront property boundaries. This was a step necessary for the formation of a WCID and was completed at the end of June.

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Zoom Webinar Update - June 2022

MLNDA President Jacy Robbins presented a comprehensive update on the progress of the Nolte Dam rehabilitation and answered questions. Please see the Meetings/Events tab to watch the full webinar.

 

Internal Vote to Create WCID - June 2022

MLNDA members voted online on whether to move forward with WCID Creation. The results were as follows: ​

Yes - I think MLNDA should begin the steps to create the WCID: 161 votes (99.4%)

No - I do not think MLNDA should begin the steps to create the WCID: 1 vote (0.6%) 

Yes - I think MLNDA should begin the steps to create the WCID wins with 99.4% of the vote. Votes tallied: 162

 

WCID District Creation through Petition - July 2022

We needed the notarized signatures​ of at least 50 property owners attached to the petition. We obtained 133 signatures and were able to file the petition with the County on July 17. 

 

WCID Creation Approved by Guadalupe County Commissioner's Court - August 2022

On August 16, 2022, we received approval for the creation of the Meadow Lake WCID #1. The temporary Meadow Lake WCID #1 Board of Directors had their first meeting at the GBRA annex building on August 19th at 2pm to call for the election. The Board voted 1) to NOT accept fees for being on the Board, and 2) that the WCID will rely on donations to fund expenses until a 2nd election to levy taxes. The WCID Board Agenda posting can be found here:

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WCID Proposition A Vote - Nov 2022

Propositions on the ballot:

• Proposition A: WCID Creation & Voting in of Permanent Board of Directors

Proposition A must be approved by voters to create the WCID. This was on the Nov 2022 election ballot for property owners (designated by the boundary survey) who are voters registered in Guadalupe County. Propositions B&C can be approved at a subsequent election. MLNDA recommended we wait on voting on propositions for the O&M tax and the WCID interest tax rate until the November 2023 election to allow financing investigations.  ​​

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GBRA Acceptance of Dam Rehab Solution & Contract Negotiations - 2023

Representatives from MLNDA, the Meadow Lake WCID, the proposed operator and the city of Seguin met with GBRA in 2023 and presented the FNI engineering report. It has been beneficial for all parties to work together, leading to quickest solution.

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WCID Pursues Financing Support
Options to investigate include:

• Local Government Revenues (TIRZs & Government Contributions)

• Loans/Grants

• Other Potential Sources

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DOE Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives Grant - Oct 2023

On behalf of MLNDA, GBRA produced and submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) in June 2023 to the Department of Energy (DOE) to apply for the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives Grant which could award up to $5M for the rehabilitation of Nolte Dam.

 

The full application was submitted by GBRA on October 5, 2023. MLNDA, the WCID, Freese & Nichols, Inc., Sorensen Engineering, the City of Seguin and GBRA all worked together to write and submit the application.

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DOE responded that we were ineligiable for this grant as we did not have a FERC permit (even though we did have a FERC exemption). The appeal by GBRA was also denied.

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WCID Proposition A, B & C Vote - November 7, 2023 PASSED

Propositions on the ballot:

• Proposition A: Issuance of up to $15,840,000 in Total Principal Amount of Bonds

• Proposition B: Issuance of up to $15,840,000 in Total Principal Amount of Refunding Bonds to Refund Bonds for the Nolte Dam

• Proposition C: An Operation and Maintenance Tax not to Exceed Twelve Cents ($0.12) per One Hundred Dollars ($100) Valuation of Taxable Property

All three propositions needed to pass for the plan to move forward. A simple majority was needed to pass the propositions.

All three propositions passed with 83% "FOR" votes

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US Army Corps of Engineering Corps Water Infrastructure Program (CWIFP)

Low interest loan program which includes the following benefits:

• 0.5% to 1.0% reduction to market interest rates

• 35 year term to be paid after completion of construction

• Flexible structuring of debt

• No pre-payment penalties at anytime (beneficial as the district has the option to refund bonds)

• Finance up to 80% of project cost for disadvantaged communities (City has confirmed the district serves disadvantaged communities). 

The pre-application was submitted on December 18, 2023. The WCID was informed by the USACE in September 2024 that we have been invited to submit a full application. We have up to 1 year to submit, but plan to submit around the beginning of 2025.

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PSA for Final Engineering Executed - June 2024

The Professional Services Agreement for Engineering Services for the Meadow Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project has been fully executed and final engineering work has started, with an estimated 10-month duration. Afterwards, the Meadow Lake WCID will bid the project and move forward with construction, provided the costs are within the funding amount authorized by voters in the November 2023 election (a combined total of $20.8 million for the project which includes $5 million from the City of Seguin). Funding of the $1.36 million for engineering services was obtained as part of the city's $5 million contribution, provided the project moves forward to construction and ultimate completion. In the event the project does not move forward after final engineering, the WCID would be responsible for paying back the $1.36 million.

To ensure completion of the project and restoration of Meadow Lake, the following activities are priorities:

• Project total costs must remain within funding secured for the project.  After final engineering and bidding this will be confirmed.

• Agreement with GBRA to transfer ownership of the dam to Meadow Lake WCID. Two memoranda of understanding outlining the terms for transfer have been agreed to previously by both the WCID and GBRA. Negotiations for a final conveyance agreement continue.

• Meadow Lake WCID to secure financing. The most beneficial loan program identified is the US Army Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program, with favorable loan and repayment terms.

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Bureau of Reclamation WaterSmart Grant - Nov 2024

The WCID submitted an application for the Bureau of Reclamation's grant on Nov. 8 based on bringing the Hydroelectric back online by rehabilitating Nolte Dam. There are two different Funding Groups that were submitted under, Funding Group II (award up to $2M) and Funding Group III (award up to $5M). Award recipients will be notified Spring of 2025 and funds released Fall of 2025.

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Next Steps

The next steps the WCID will be taking on the road to getting Meadow Lake back are the following:

1. Secure/Obtain Financing through the US Corps Water Infrastructure Program (CWIFP)
     a. Pre-Application was submitted by the due date (Dec. 19, 2023)
     b. Evaluation and Selection, 90 days (~late March 2024) - this was extended to Sept. 2024
     c. Full Application submission, 30 days (have 365 days to submit, but expect can accomplish in 30 days)
     d. Process of full application and loan documentation, 30-90 days
     e. Loan closing, 30 days
2. Final Engineering and Permitting - Upon execution of the Interlocal Agreement with the City and approval of the Professional Services Contract with the engineering consultants, final engineering for the project immediately began. Planned lead time for all final engineering services and permitting is 10 months, putting the project on track to begin construction in late the Fall of 2025.

3. Conveyance Agreement w/ GBRA - The District and GBRA continue to work towards a binding Conveyance Agreement for Nolte Dam. The WCID believes that once all funding for the project has been secured (as outlined above) and the WCID provides all relevant information to GBRA, both parties would then execute the Agreement. Under the proposed Agreement, upon proof of the WCID's ability to finance the Nolte Dam rehabilitation project and confirmation of the final cost of the project, GBRA would transfer ownership of the dam to the WCID.
4. Purchase of Long Lead Items (gates and tower cranes)
5. Request for Construction Bids and Award
6. Construction - If all goes as planned, expected to begin Fall 2025.