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In the early twentieth century, Texas experienced several devastating floods and droughts. The Texas legislature in response established the concept of river authorities designed to steward water resources for public use. In the 1930s, local community leaders petitioned the state legislature to create the San Jacinto River Conservation and Reclamation District, now known as the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA). The SJRA included all of Montgomery County, as well as parts of Walker, Waller, San Jacinto, Grimes, Fort Bend and Liberty counties. SJRA is authorized to operate in East Harris County through an agreement with the city of Houston. From 1937-1941, the SJRA focused on soil conservation practices for local farmers and ranchers. Unprecedented droughts in the 1950s turned planners' attentions toward constructing water supply reservoirs to serve as backup supply sources during droughts and to meet the water demands associated with population growth.
In 1968, the SJRA reached an agreement with the Texas Water Development Board and the city of Houston to create the Lake Conroe Water Supply Reservoir on the west fork of the San Jacinto River. The project's engineering design consultant, Freese and Nichols, Inc., and contractor, HB Zachry, completed the project for $30 million. Lake Conroe dedication ceremonies were held in 1969. The dam was completed by January 1973, and the lake was filled by October 1973. The resulting reservoir covers approximately 21,000 acres and extends 21 miles upstream, storing up to 140.2 billion gallons of water. Lake Conroe has become a regional focal point for boating, kayaking, fishing, and other recreational activities. Bringing new development, visitors and commerce to the area, San Jacinto River Authority continues to manage the reservoir and dam. |
