Texas Senate Votes To Transfer Lions Away Muny From UT

Ralph K.M. Haurwitz of the Austin American-Statesman on news that the Texas state Senate voted 21-10 to transfer Lions Municipal Golf Course ownership from the University of Texas to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The bill now goes to the House.

This part made me chuckle given university plans for years to develop the course. What beacons of the community!

UT-Austin President Gregory L. Fenves offered in January to extend the city of Austin’s lease for Muny after it expires in May 2019 — provided that the city is willing to pony up lease payments that are closer to market value. Fenves testified before a Senate panel that the market value would be around $6 million a year, about 12 times the current rate paid by the city, which has operated the course for decades.

The Save Muny folks are understandably pleased:

BREAKING NEWS: SB 822 has passed the Senate! The bill now moves to the House. THANK YOU to all the senators who voted for the bill and especially Sen. Estes, Sen. Miles and Sen. West for working so hard to see that this historic land is preserved for future generations. If you haven’t yet, please sign our petition to stay informed!

A post shared by Save Muny - Austin, Texas (@savemuny) on Apr 11, 2017 at 2:54pm PDT