November 11, 2021
Mr. J. Kevin Ward
Chair, Region C Water Planning Group
Trinity River Authority of Texas
P.O. Box 60, Arlington, Tx 76004-0600
wardk@trinitvra.org
Dear Mr. Ward:
The North East Texas Regional Water Planning Group (Region D) has authorized the submission of this letter to you as Chair of the Region C Water Planning Group to notify the Region C Planning Group of a potential conflict between our two plans and to enhance interregional coordination efforts going forward.
Obviously, we are at the beginning of the planning cycle and very early on in the process. However past experiences between our Regional Water Planning Groups regarding conflicts and potential conflicts have shown that early identification and discussions of any potential conflicts can be helpful. The Interregional Planning Council Report to The Texas Water Development Board dated October 16, 2020, stressed the importance of identifying issues and potential interregional conflict concerns at the beginning and throughout the planning cycle.
We realize that final decisions on potential projects for the upcoming Regional Water Plan have not occurred. However, we are also aware that Region C has consistently included the potential Marvin Nichols Reservoir as a future water supply source in its Plans. We also know that for at least the last twenty (20) years, Region D has included language in its Plans that expressly states that Marvin Nichols Reservoir should not be included in the State Water Plan or any Regional Water Plan because it does not protect the economic, agricultural and natural resources of the region and of Texas and that the development of this project would have a substantial adverse effect on our region as a result of the impacts the reservoir would cause. I have attached with this letter Section 6.9 and Section 6.10 of the most recent approved Region D Water Plan which details the concerns our Region has regarding the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir.
It is certainly our hope that our two groups can avoid a conflict on this issue. We’re willing to take all reasonable measures to do so. Those efforts could include coordinating and exploring other viable measures to increase water supply sources t r Region C in the future as well as decreasing future demand, including but not limite1 to fully utilizing water supplies in existing reservoirs, potential reallocation of water resources in existing reservoirs, additional reuse beyond what is proposed in the Region C Water Plan, and increased water conservation.
We are sending a copy of this letter to representatives of the Texas Water Development Board. It is our desire that a conflict be avoided if at all possible and hopefully, both regions can work toward that goal.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
Jim F. Thompson
Chair, Region D, Water Planning Group