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:
Project Overview
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.
Resolutions or Letters of Support have been received from (Supporters Include):
Argyle Water Supply Corporation
City of Bonham
City of Celina
Collin County Commissioners Court
City of Corinth
Citizens for Lake Ralph Hall
City of Grand Prairie
Denton County Judge Mary Horn (Retired)
Denton County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1A
Denton County Fresh Water Supply District No. 7
Denton County Fresh Water Supply District No. 8A
Denton County Fresh Water Supply District No. 8B
Denton County Fresh Water Supply District No. 9
Denton County Fresh Water Supply District No. 10
Denton County Fresh Water Supply District No. 11B
Fannindel Independent School District
Fannin County
Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce
Greater Dallas Planning Council
Town of Hickory Creek
City of Highland Village
City of Honey Grove
City of Irving
City of Justin
City of Krum
City of Ladonia
Lake Cities Municipal Utility Authority
Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce
City of Lake Dallas
City of Leonard
City of Lewisville
Mustang Special Utility District
North Central Texas Council of Governments
Town of Northlake
North Texas Commission
Town of Ponder
City of Sanger
City of Shady Shores