New MUD for Austin?

In the farthest reaches of West Austin lies a 124-acre tract of land whose owner has requested to become a municipal utility district (MUD) of the city of Austin. Although the land borders the cities of Lakeway and Bee Caves, the parcel is part of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction and is surrounded by Austin’s Lazy Nine MUD on three sides.  The acreage of this un-annexed outpost is currently undeveloped. However, this request, if granted, will allow the MUD to become a part of Austin and provide utility services for a future large-lot single family development. According to city staff, Austin Water would not provide water to the development; instead, it will be in the Lake Travis Watershed and subject to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance and the city of Bee Cave’s water quality ordinances. Both city staff and the Environmental Commission recommended the annexation to City Council for approval. The request will appear before City Council on Dec. 13 for a final decision.