PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Ann Galassi

August 31, 2005 Sabine River Authority of Texas

(409) 746-2192

SRA to improve boat ramps on

Toledo Bend Reservoir

(Orange, TX) With lower than average lake level, the Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA-Texas) is taking the opportunity to improve existing boat ramps around Toledo Bend Reservoir. Work will begin after Labor Day weekend on replacing the public boat ramp at Six Mile Bridge on Hwy 87. Improvements will include extending the ramp and adjusting the slope to assist with launching. Maintenance will also be done on various other SRA-Texas boat ramps at the reservoir during these low lake level conditions.

The lake level on Toledo Bend Reservoir is low for two reasons. First, as stipulated in the Power Sales Agreement between the SRA-Texas, the Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana, and Entergy and Central Louisiana Electric Cooperative, water must be made available to generate hydroelectric generation in the prime power season which runs from May through September of each year. The "Power Pool" allocation for this generation is between elevation 162.2 ft. msl and 172.00 ft. msl. Weather has also been a factor in the current low lake level conditions. A drawdown of 4-6 feet is generally expected during the prime power season. This summer has experienced a larger draw down due to lower than normal rainfall in the Toledo Bend watershed. Prime power generation will cease Sept. 30^th. At that time, some releases may be necessary to address downstream minimum flows but will be on a limited basis.

Current lake level information and information regarding access to the reservoir can be obtained by calling 409-565-2273. Detailed reservoir information is available on the SRA-Texas website: www.sra.dst.tx.us or on the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) website: http://water.usgs.gov

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“SRA will provide information on usable boat ramp sites on the Texas side of the reservoir to ensure safe access to the reservoir during this period,” stated Donnie Henson, Operations Manager for SRA-Texas. “In accordance with the existing operating guide, after September 30^th the reservoir will be allowed to fill to the 168 ft. msl as normal rainfall occurs through the end of the year. The reservoir should gradually increase throughout the Spring to reach a full pool of 172 ft. msl in May, 2006,” added Henson.

Created by the Legislature in 1949, the Sabine River Authority of Texas is an official agency of the State of Texas. The Authority was created as a conservation and reclamation district with responsibilities to control, store, preserve, and distribute the waters of the Sabine River and its tributary streams for useful purposes.

For more information on the Toledo Bend Reservoir, contact Jim Washburn, Toledo Bend Division Manager at 409-565-2273 or Donnie Henson, SRA-Texas Operations Manager at 409-746-2192.

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