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BASTROP COUNTY — Gov. Greg Abbott has reappointed Elgin veterinarian Robert Lewis to the board of the Lower Colorado River Authority, which manages water, power and public lands across a 10-county region that includes Bastrop County.
Lewis, who retired as president of Elgin Veterinary Hospital in 2020, has served previously on the LCRA board and is a longtime member of state and national veterinary organizations. He is one of five appointments announced by Abbott April 28, including Curtis Ford of Austin, Aden Lasseter of Round Mountain, Mark Mayo of Luling and Margaret Voelter of Austin. Stephen Cooper of El Campo was named board chair.
All appointments are subject to Senate confirmation, according to the office, and terms for the new members run through Feb. 1, 2031.
The LCRA, established by the Texas Legislature in 1934, oversees the lower Colorado River and delivers water and electric services to more than a million people. The organization also operates more than 40 parks from the Hill Country to the Gulf Coast, all without state appropriations.
In Bastrop County, LCRA’s role is particularly critical as development accelerates in the area, officials said. Environmental groups have warned of mounting pressure on the river’s health.
“As more pollutants, silt and wastewater are added to the river, one thing is clear—we no longer enjoy that status,” said Steve Box, executive director of Environmental Stewardship, a Bastrop- based nonprofit. “The state has failed to protect the water quality and aquatic life we once enjoyed.”
Monitoring results have shown a decline in the river’s water quality, prompting calls for stronger local engagement and oversight.
LCRA has also taken part in community beautification efforts. In April, teams repainted restrooms at Riverbend Park in Smithville and refreshed facilities at the Smithville Recreation Center as part of its annual Steps Forward Day of service.
