Crowd gathered for water rights meeting

A large crowd gathered at the Mims Fire Station in Avinger on Saturday, Feb. 8, to discuss the potential sale of water rights from East Texas to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The meeting, hosted by Rep. Jay Dean, brought together a variety of stakeholders, including state legislators, mayors and city council members from the seven cities served by the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District (NETMWD), county officials, NETMWD board members and staff, and water resource experts.

Before the meeting, he reminded attendees that “Our water rights cannot be taken without our permission. You cannot be forced to sell water rights. They cannot be taken with eminent domain if we don’t sell.” Also, “there’s no need to rush into any decision on this matter.”

Dean emphasized the importance of transparency with constituents throughout the process. He stressed the need for careful consideration of the long-term impact on local water resources, stating, “We must be very deliberate in protecting our water resources from the Metroplex, not only today but for generations to come.”

After the meeting on social media, “he posted that there is absolutely strength in numbers and if we can stand together, I truly believe we can successfully fight this! What a great group of folks we have here in HD7 and greater East Texas! I just can’t tell you how proud I am to serve all of you in Austin.”

Key points reiterated at the meeting included the assurance that water rights cannot be taken without the owner’s permission. Attendees were told that no one can be forced to sell water rights, and eminent domain cannot be used to acquire them if owners are unwilling to sell. Dean also emphasized that there is no need to rush any decision regarding the potential sale.

The NETMWD has expressed interest in selling water, while community members have voiced opposition to the idea.

The seven cities served by the district – Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Ore City, Jefferson, Hughes Springs, Lone Star and Avinger – will soon be asked to vote on proposals related to the potential sale.

Upcoming Important Meetings:

• Jefferson - February 18, 5:30 pm, 305 E Austin St – (3rd Tuesday of the month @ 5:30) (Passed by the time many read this article)

• Hughes Springs - February 18, 6:30, 603 E. First Street (3rd Tuesday of the month @ 6:30) (Passed by the time many read this article)

• Lone Star - February 20, 6:00 pm - They had a few early/surprise meetings so they may not have this one, 201 West Industrial Blvd (3rd Thursday of the month @ 6:00)

• NETMWD Monthly Board Meeting - February 24, 10:00 a.m., 4180 FM 250, Hughes Springs (last Monday of the month @ 10:00 am) Publishers Note. There will be a more extensive article from Bowie County Tribune Publisher in next week’s paper.