Mayor Sylvester Turner joined the Coastal Water Authority, the Texas Water Development Board, Houston Public Works leadership, the Regional Water Authorities, and community members from the Lake Houston area today for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the completion of the Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project (LBITP).

The $381 million project is considered the region’s most important water supply project and represents the culmination of more than 50 years of effort by local leaders.

The LBITP is a key component to support the expansion of the Northeast Water Purification Plant and ensures the water supply keeps pace with the ever-growing demand generated by businesses and residential development.

“The Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project is helping to meet water supply demands of a growing population,” said Mayor Turner. “I thank everyone here today and all the water authorities for their collaboration in making this project a reality. The LBIP is a testament to our region’s commitment to building a more prosperous and abundant future for generations to come.”

The new pump station will transfer 240 million gallons of water each day from Trinity River to Lake Houston and the Northeast Water Purification Plant.

The future expansion will eventually transfer 500 million gallons of water every day and will provide water for Harris and Fort Bend Counties, where population is expected to increase by 3 million people by 2050.