It takes decades to permit a major reservoir, and years to build it. Ronna Hartt, Upper Trinity’s Assistant Director of Operations – Water Resources, has played a key role shepherding the Lake Ralph Hall project through these critical phases.
Planning for the lake began in 2001, and the project obtained its U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Section 404 permit needed to start construction in 2020.
“From 2008 to 2019 I worked closely with the Corps and a third-party contractor to develop the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, and I collaborated with many other agencies—including Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality—to develop the project’s Mitigation Plan,” Hartt explained. “These are the two key documents that led to the Section 404 permit. After receiving the Section 404 Permit, we completed design of the dam, bridges and roadways, and then began construction in June 2021.”
What’s kept her going these 14 years? It all comes down to one word—perseverance. “Permitting a new reservoir is a lengthy process,” said Hartt. “With any project of this magnitude, there will be challenges. You must acknowledge that going in and choose to persevere.”
Now that construction has started, Hartt has taken on a range of new, but related responsibilities. She continues to work closely with other government agencies, particularly the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which is financing the majority of Lake Ralph Hall thru the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas programs.
In addition, Hartt also oversees other elements of the project. “I directly manage our roadway Progressive Design Build contract and provide oversite of the other program elements,” which include the dam, aquatic mitigation, conveyance system and other onsite facilities.
Her years with a front row seat to the project have given Hartt a clear vision on the importance of water, and specifically Lake Ralph Hall.
“Water is the life blood of everything,” she pointed out. “No one can live without water—it’s an absolute necessity that is often taken for granted. I’ve come to realize just how precious our water is, and how much time, energy and effort it takes to treat and deliver it to our communities. That’s why those of us at Upper Trinity have to plan 50 years in advance and track our population growth—so we can keep up with demand."
"Lake Ralph Hall is going to be a critical water source for our customers, and we need it by 2026,” she concluded. “Being a part of such a monumental water supply project is incredibly rewarding.”