WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act, which would expedite a vitally needed new reservoir for North Texas citizens. The bipartisan amendment was introduced by Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) along with Representatives Pete Sessions (TX-32), John Ratcliffe (TX-04), and Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30).
Specifically, this amendment would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to issue a final permit for the construction of the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir no later than September 30, 2017. This reservoir is crucial if North Texas wishes to avoid local water deficits projected to hit in 2021.
“Texans are no strangers to drought and water rationing,” Rep. Sam Johnson stated. “It’s something we try to avoid at all costs. But many folks don’t know that, at Collin County’s current rate of projected population growth, by 2021 we will not have enough water to meet demand unless a new reservoir is built. This goes beyond water rationing for lawns. This is about water as part of our normal, daily routine.”
Rep. Sam Johnson continued, “It’s a serious situation, and I have long been working to ensure that we have sufficient water resources in our community. The solution is the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir. But time is running out. With two years needed for construction, and an additional two years to fill the reservoir, we need to get this reservoir online NOW. I thank my colleagues – Congressmen Sessions and Ratcliffe and Congresswoman Johnson – for their support to get this amendment passed and this reservoir across the finish line. Clean water is something all Americans want, need, and deserve.”
“At a time when North Texas continues to experience booming growth and economic development we must ensure our vital infrastructure projects, including the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir, remain on schedule and get done,” stressed Rep. Pete Sessions. “This is not a partisan issue or a political issue, this is a regional issue that will affect millions of North Texans who will face higher prices, lack of water supply, and extreme rationing should this project not get done. I am proud to see Members of our North Texas delegation come together in support of this amendment and getting this reservoir online.”
“The North Texas Municipal Water District has been working for years to develop a reservoir project in Fannin County, Texas,” said Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. “This project would address the growing population within the water district, which is expected to double to 3.7 million residents within the next 50 years. The project would also support millions of dollars in regional economic growth that North Texas desperately needs.”
“This reservoir is essential to meet the needs of 90 communities in the ten counties served by the North Texas Municipal Water District,” Tom Kula, executive director of NTMWD emphasized. “We supply water to one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, and water conservation alone will not be enough to support a population that is expected to double over the next 50 years. We must start construction of the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir as soon as possible to avoid the risk of water shortages.”
Water Facts You Should Know
The Situation:
- The local NTMWD currently serves 1.6 million people across 10 counties in one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation.
- Population is expected to increase to almost 2.4 million by 2030 and double to 3.7 million by 2070.
- If population continues to grow as expected and a new reservoir isn’t online in the drought-prone region, a water supply deficit is projected to hit in 2021.
- The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) has worked over a decade to get a new reservoir (the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir) online.
- The EPA and USACE have needlessly obstructed this necessary project for the North Texas community and reversed course throughout the permit process.
The Solution:
- The Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir in Fannin County is the first of several needed reservoirs over decades to come. It will provide for the water needs of existing and future residents and businesses in North Texas.
- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has already issued the state permit for the locally funded project – its first uncontested state water permit in 50 years.
- This reservoir will yield safe, high quality water that will be in compliance with all state and federal drinking water regulations.
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