The authority says the request for 25,400 acres of water annually won't affect Central Texas lakes after a new reservoir is built. It says the multimillion-dollar contract will benefit future projects -- but wants $55 million up front and $250,000 annually once the plant is built.
Opponents say the contract would take precious water away from farmers in the sometimes-arid region, especially during droughts.
Texas has 19 operating coal-fired plants, most in the nation. Nine new plants have been permitted, and two have started construction.
