What

UGRA has entered into a Lease with the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District whereunder Headwaters will be moving into the Guadalupe Basin Natural Resource Center. The tenancy will result in synergies and tax savings for Kerr County taxpayers. It will also facilitate close cooperation between the two entities.

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The Daily Times
http://dailytimes.com/

Sponsoring river clean-up good for community

Times Editorial Board
The Daily Times

Published March 27, 2004

At first glance, some would question the Upper Guadalupe River Authority’s request for private funds to aid it in a new Trash-Free River Initiative.

The UGRA currently conducts river clean-up programs at four sites in Kerr County . The new initiative would add five more sites to the program. UGRA directors approved a budget of $10,400 to fund the program and directed staff to seek additional funds from other sources. The UGRA is seeking sponsors to pay from $200 to $600 to support clean-up efforts.

The UGRA is a taxing entity that is charged with maintaining the water quantity and quality of the Guadalupe River as it flows through Kerr County . While not exactly in its realm of responsibility, the UGRA recently added clean-up efforts to its duties. Based on the success of those efforts, the UGRA is ready to expand the program.

The question is should an entity that collects tax revenue call upon the community for additional funding sources to support this program?

The answer is yes. The appearance of the river is an intangible that provides tangible benefits to everyone in Kerr County . A visibly clean river is important to everyone. Plastic bags, cans, bottles and Styrofoam cups probably do not materially affect water quality, but a trashy river is associated with poor water quality.

Many local taxing entities currently rely on additional community support. Most local school districts have many organizations that solicit funds for program enhancement.

That is exactly how we view this new initiative by the UGRA. It is a program that can be enhanced with local support. It is a program that is important to Kerr County . It is a program we will support. We hope others feel the same.