Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take of the Houston Toad by Aqua Water Supply Corporation, Lower Colorado River Authority, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Austin Energy

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The Aqua Water Supply Corporation, Lower Colorado River Authority, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Austin Energy (Applicants) have applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit (TE-078366-0) pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize incidental take of the endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) during the routine maintenance and repair of existing facilities and installation of new facilities within the 142,526-acre covered area of Bastrop and Lee counties, Texas. The Service and applicant have prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for the incidental take application. A determination of jeopardy to the species and a decision under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will not be made until at least 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the Act and NEP regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).