Pros, cons of Region C Water Plan heard

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

July 21, 2005 - From farmers and ranchers to public servants, close to 40 people voiced their opinions on the Initially Prepared 2006 Region C Water Plan during a July 11 public hearing in Arlington.

This hearing, which recorded public feedback of interest to the 19 Region C members who represent 11 interest groups, was the only one scheduled for the "Dallas metroplex" region prior to the supplemental report, or proposed plan, due to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Sept. 1. Because of predictions for a rapidly-growing population in the metroplex area, a great source of water is of high interest to the Region C Water Planning Group (RCWPG).

RCWPG Chairman/Administrator James Parks took care of some housekeeping before the public hearing began by stating, "Region C will likely meet in October prior to the adoption of the (state) plan in early December."

Public comments voiced on July 11 were just about split down the middle in regards to those "for" the plan, and those "against."

The main consensus of those who support the plan was, "we must keep all water options open."

Jan Hart Black, president of the Greater Dallas Chamber, said, "The chamber was a vocal supporter of the plan ... and believe it is imperative to move forward. We must keep all options open."

One individual stated, "In Colorado, water is gold and it will get that way in Texas. I think we need this balanced plan taking a strong stand for reuse and conservation. We can not afford to run out of water."

Martin Maxwell, the city manager of Sulphur Springs, was one of those attending the hearing from the East Texas area. He said (the city) supported the plan and if they (Region C) wanted to build the George Parkhouse Reservoirs, then the city was ready to talk.

The Parkhouse Reservoirs, on the plan as alternative water strategies, are situated on the North Sulphur River in Hopkins and Delta dounties.

On the other hand, opponents of the plan had one simple quote: "No Reservoirs."

Beth Johnson gave the RCWPG members a sheet of paper that had a color-coded column with existing available supply and "new unneeded reservoirs." She said all the existing supply in color was "innocent until proven unworkable." The gray area, which was the new unneeded reservoirs, was "guilty until proven absolutely necessary." She added, "Use what is already built, first."

According to Johnson, the existing water would meet the demand needed by 2060, with ample water to spare.

Sharon Nabors of Paris cited, "The (proposed) new reservoirs would destroy land and timber that will be needed for food and fiber."

She concluded her three minutes by stating, "God made the Earth two-thirds water and one-third land. Since that time, man has tried to change that ratio. I don't believe we can improve God's design very much and we should strive to use what he gave us for the greater good for all mankind."

Janice Bezanson, from the Texas Committee on Natural Resources, cited, "The projections for the amount of water needed are high. More reuse is the best option."

Another spoke about ignoring the agricultural interests. "Who is going to feed all these people that are supposedly moving to the metroplex?"

Still another was concerned about the bottomland hardwoods. Building the Fastrill Reservoir (planned in Region I in Anderson and Cherokee counties) would "destroy the Big Thicket which is already on the endangered species list. It also would destroy the Texas Historical Railroad which is the major tourist attraction for our area."

The speaker added that the board need not be surprised by the few people that showed up for the hearing. "Many had a conflict with work. Please do not be mislead. The numbers are large."

Many of these same people will attend the public hearings scheduled throughout the Northeast Texas area. Region D's public hearing is set for Aug. 2 in Gilmer.

Concerned individuals still have time to submit written comment on the Region C water plan, which has a Sept. 9 deadline.

Comments can be sent via email to regionc@freese.com or mailed to James M. Parks, RCWPG Chairman/Administrator, c/o NTMWD, P.O. Box 2408, Wylie, Texas, 75098-2408.