KXAN Investigates: Lakefront Property

Read our latest investigations: kxan.com/investigations
The state of Texas owns the water on the Highland Lakes, and the Lower Colorado River Authority manages it, but what about the land under the water? KXAN investigators discovered landowners in Central Texas may not always own their waterfront. As more people eye lake properties, and as our lake levels continue to change, we dug into what property owners or potential buyers need to know about submerged land.
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[@justincruz4697]

Avery Travis you did a really great job on your informative and interesting investigative news story about who really owns the Lakefront properties in Central Texas.

[@texasgunslinger8060]

Before the lake is built, the land is Condemned by Federal, State, and/or the Local government, and the land owners paid FMV as the property falls under "imminent domain" and therefore becomes Public property, not Private property.
If this is not true, then what's to stop these Land Barrons from purchasing the property under "i35"?
Or under all the City streets, and State Hwys all across Texas?
There's something not right about that.
As for Art Bernedict's case. I believe it was handled wrong as he should have filed, "Squatters Rights!"

[@bonesandbells]

Seems like a huge loophole left in to privately own the submerged land. I have technical "waterfront" on Stillhouse Hollow Lake, but the Corps of Engineers owns all the land within 50' of the full elevation with it being federal instead of state. Since the Corps operates a lot of the reservoirs in Texas, wonder how much waterfront on the market is more technical waterfront? Though, those properties still don't typically stay on the market long on Stillhouse, Belton, or Georgetown.

[@edmalone2156]

They try some of those tactics in Colorado they put barbwire in public streams and signs saying they own the shore line which is not true.

[@ChicoTheMan69]

Explain why people want to own lake beds.

[@christianbrother4724]

This is the dumbest thing I've ever seen. One day I want to get out of this state. With the outrageous property taxes and stuff like this, I just want to leave.

[@who2u333]

I did last month, but don't expect a panacea. Every state has problems.

[@richhoops2413]

There are some extremely valuable rare earth minerals on Barringer Hill, which is now underwater in Lake Buchanan. "The Texan" ran an article on this back in 22. I just checked, and it's still available to read online. I'm not saying this has anything to do with this story, but it's very interesting to say the least.

[@ui888iu]

Yep, surely they will coffer dam Barringer Hill and mine those minerals one day. A highly unique clutch of rare earth minerals won't escape the eyes around the world.... Apparently the LCRA is ok selling submerged property, shady bunch for sure!

[@finn3408]

Wow, greedy people

[@craigemmett2425]

I know. It's sad.

[@jerrellbevers6071]

This year Texas has gained the distinction as the state with the least amount of personal freedoms, has the fewest amount of workers rights and just the other day ranked as having the lowest overall quality of life....of course moreso if you're working class.

[@StevenBurton-r9c]

Thomas Carol Perez Donald Hall Cynthia

[@LoisStewart-t6g]

Clark Jose White Michelle Taylor Thomas

[@NasimSah-f4j]

Lee Anna Moore Jennifer Lopez Lisa

[@JetSkiSuper7]

So, did he have permits to build his home in that location?