electricity. Energy Star [76] identifies products that are more energy efficient. Green
Buildings encourages the planning and construction of more energy efficient buildings. Recently, in New England, US EPA launched the New England Community
Energy Challenge, a municipal energy efficiency program.
Cleaner fuels, renewable sources of energy, and conservation programs will help
us conserve energy. The result will be a cleaner environment, and this will benefit all
of the inhabitants of the Earth.
9 Case Histories
9.1 Lake Brazos, Waco, TX
On the Brazos River, a few hundred yards downstream from the La Salle Avenue
Bridge lies the Low Water Dam or, more recently, the Lake Brazos Dam. About
40 years ago city leaders decided that a dam below Waco would significantly widen
the river and stabilize the river level. These improvements would enhance the natural
beauty of the Brazos River through Waco. Additionally, the dam would create an
impoundment from which up to 5,600 acre-ft of water can be withdrawn annually for
municipal purposes [31].
Since the original dam was constructed, there have been many new developments. McLennan Community College has built the Bosque River Stage and
Amphitheater. Baylor University has developed all along the eastern edge near the
river including a new law school, natural history museum, and a soon to be finished
science building. These improvements along with a world-class athletic complex
have been built immediately adjacent to the Brazos River. In addition, Baylor
operates a marina on the Brazos River to facilitate sailing and canoeing opportunities. Other colleges from Colorado and Kansas routinely travel to Waco for early
spring rowing practices.
The City of Waco has also made many improvements including miles of
riverwalk and various parkway improvements that include landscaping, lighting,
and a boat dock in Cameron Park. Recent improvements include the Texas Sports
Hall of Fame and upgrades to the Texas Ranger Museum. There have also been
many private developments such as the Brazos Queen (dining boat), the Spirit of the
Rivers paddleboat, Lake Brazos Steakhouse, Dock’s Restaurant, and kayaking. Even
with the enormous amount of improvements, the unmet potential remains
tremendous.
With so much focus and activity along the Brazos River, there is a tremendous
need to ensure a reliable, constant-level town lake. The existing dam was completed
in 1970. The structure, which originally consisted of two drum gates, has quite a
history for poor or non-performance. The original design, despite several modifications, did not function as intended for a reliable town lake. In 1985, hydraulic
7 Lake Restoration
299
Buildings encourages the planning and construction of more energy efficient buildings. Recently, in New England, US EPA launched the New England Community
Energy Challenge, a municipal energy efficiency program.
Cleaner fuels, renewable sources of energy, and conservation programs will help
us conserve energy. The result will be a cleaner environment, and this will benefit all
of the inhabitants of the Earth.
9 Case Histories
9.1 Lake Brazos, Waco, TX
On the Brazos River, a few hundred yards downstream from the La Salle Avenue
Bridge lies the Low Water Dam or, more recently, the Lake Brazos Dam. About
40 years ago city leaders decided that a dam below Waco would significantly widen
the river and stabilize the river level. These improvements would enhance the natural
beauty of the Brazos River through Waco. Additionally, the dam would create an
impoundment from which up to 5,600 acre-ft of water can be withdrawn annually for
municipal purposes [31].
Since the original dam was constructed, there have been many new developments. McLennan Community College has built the Bosque River Stage and
Amphitheater. Baylor University has developed all along the eastern edge near the
river including a new law school, natural history museum, and a soon to be finished
science building. These improvements along with a world-class athletic complex
have been built immediately adjacent to the Brazos River. In addition, Baylor
operates a marina on the Brazos River to facilitate sailing and canoeing opportunities. Other colleges from Colorado and Kansas routinely travel to Waco for early
spring rowing practices.
The City of Waco has also made many improvements including miles of
riverwalk and various parkway improvements that include landscaping, lighting,
and a boat dock in Cameron Park. Recent improvements include the Texas Sports
Hall of Fame and upgrades to the Texas Ranger Museum. There have also been
many private developments such as the Brazos Queen (dining boat), the Spirit of the
Rivers paddleboat, Lake Brazos Steakhouse, Dock’s Restaurant, and kayaking. Even
with the enormous amount of improvements, the unmet potential remains
tremendous.
With so much focus and activity along the Brazos River, there is a tremendous
need to ensure a reliable, constant-level town lake. The existing dam was completed
in 1970. The structure, which originally consisted of two drum gates, has quite a
history for poor or non-performance. The original design, despite several modifications, did not function as intended for a reliable town lake. In 1985, hydraulic
7 Lake Restoration
299