The Trinity River Authority of Texas is a political subdivision of the state of Texas charged by legislative mandate with three functions. These include maintenance of a master plan for basin-wide development, serving as local sponsor for federal water projects and providing services authorized by the Texas Legislature within the defined territory of TRA.

Public services currently provided by the Authority include wastewater treatment, water treatment, recreation and reservoir facilities. TRA also serves as a conduit for tax-exempt financing for municipal water and wastewater facilities and industrial air and water pollution control facilities.

On a functional basis, the Authority operates as a governmental water utility. Each operating or financing endeavor of TRA is an independent financial entity. The Authority receives no revenues from a direct tax base or appropriations from the state or federal government. TRA is only compensated by those using the services for which they have contracted, and only to the degree services are received.