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Lake LBJ residents hope summer tourism will help the area thrive after flooding

Many people living along Lake LBJ make a living each year thriving on the resources provided by the lake.

BURNET COUNTY, Texas — The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is expected to start refilling Lake LBJ on Sunda, after lowering the lake to allow residents to rebuild after last year's floods.

"The water is rising, but there is no flood today," Pat Muller, owner of the Valantine Lakeside Resorts, said.

She said the rising water is a sign of progress for the community.

"People are working hard to make sure we're ready for the summer," Muller said.

Many people living along Lake LBJ make a living each year thriving on the resources provided by the lake.

Work has been especially hard for those like Marty Oustead, who is putting up an erosion barrier before the water comes up.

"We should have gotten a chance to get all of this cleaned up and put this stuff up like it's supposed to be," he said. "It's a lot more difficult because you're now fighting water."

RELATED: Residents along Lake LBJ worried debris will cause long-term hazard after lake rises

RELATED: Kingsland community members remove thousands of pounds of flooding debris from Lake LBJ

Over the weekend, the LCRA partnered up with the Texas Department of Transportation to mark off and pull out piles of debris from the lake around the 2900 bridge, which was washed away into the Llano River in October.

More then a dozen people gathered over the weekend to take out unwanted junk.

Thanks to the hard work of some of the people with Splash Boat Rental and Sales, thousands of pounds of debris have been removed from Lake LBJ.

RELATED: LCRA to remove abandoned docks from Lake LBJ after historic October flood

RELATED: Bridge, boats and docks: Kingsland residents worry flooding debris could hurt boaters

"The bottom line is it is what it is," Muller said. "The water is coming, but we're doing what's necessary."

Businesses around the lake are now asking the community for their support since most of them make money from tourism.

"It's crucial for businesses in this area and for people to come out and enjoy," Muller said. "Our lake is more then just debris."

The LCRA started to lower the lake in December, giving residents a chance to clear debris and rebuild.

The lake is expected to rise back to its normal level on Wednesday.

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