Project Overview

Project Timeline

The lake project broke ground in June of 2021 and is scheduled to begin delivering water by 2026.

Check out the full project schedule:

View Project Schedule

Project Cost

The cost of planning, permitting, designing, purchasing land and constructing all of the project components is being shared by the communities who receive water from UTRWD. The Texas Water Development Board’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) program is helping fund the project.

Once paid off, the lake will provide those same communities with a long-term source of water. No tax revenues are being used to construct the reservoir.

Project History

Over 30 years ago, the concept of Lake Ralph Hall was born at the Ladonia Town Hall. With time, the idea took root. Mayor Leon Hurse and other members of the City of Ladonia and Chamber of Commerce began to seriously explore the option of developing a lake in Fannin County – – to provide water to the local residents and as a way to boost the local economy. For the next decade, the group met regularly to advance their idea of a new lake.

It was on advice from then Congressman Ralph Hall that Ladonia should seek a larger, responsible partner to help the City develop the new lake. In December 2004, the City of Ladonia and Upper Trinity Regional Water District (UTRWD) entered into a formal partnership to develop a surface water supply lake in Fannin County on the North Sulphur River.

After years of planning and coordination, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality granted to UTRWD on December 11, 2013, the water rights permit for Lake Ralph Hall. UTRWD was also required to obtain a Section 404 (Clean Water Act) permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). After nearly 15 years of working with USACE, a Record of Decision and permit were issued in January 2020, allowing the project to begin construction.

Project Support

Lake Ralph Hall has widespread community support. Not only will the lake help the region avoid water shortages, it will bring billions of dollars in economic benefits to North Texas. It will provide economic stimulus to the region, especially to the City of Ladonia.

Located 5 minutes from the new lake, Ladonia will benefit from recreational activities Lake Ralph Hall will provide, including boating, fishing and hunting. The project has the support of more than 35 local organizations including cities, water districts, chambers of commerce and citizen groups.