THE STRUCTURE AND ROLE OF RIVER AUTHORITIES IN TEXAS

ABSTRACT: Texas river authorities are a type of large, regional water district that must be financially self‐sufficient. An institutional and historical study of Texas river authorities reveals the broad power of these organizations and their influence in water management. River authorities now control 25 percent of surface water deliveries in Texas. Over two‐thirds of authority water was developed by river authorities; nearly one‐third was purchased from private or public ventures. While river authority activities have been effective where these services are marketable, the provision of public good services is limited. Increased visibility of these organizations is paralleled by challenges to their traditional autonomy.