Community Voices Rise Against Marvin Nichols Reservoir Proposal
Generations of residents from northeast Texas gathered at a regional water board meeting in Arlington to express their strong opposition to the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir. Their message was clear: “Don’t build it.” This sentiment has echoed through the years, as many East Texas residents, some traveling for hours to attend the meeting, voiced concerns that the reservoir would have a detrimental impact on their lives and the local ecosystem.
The Reservoir Proposal
The Marvin Nichols Reservoir is designed to cover approximately 66,000 acres and is projected to store around 1.5 million acre-feet of water, yielding about 451,500 acre-feet annually. For context, one acre-foot is equivalent to about 326,000 gallons. The reservoir would be located along the Sulphur River, impacting counties such as Red River, Bowie, Titus, and Franklin. Water would be pumped approximately 150 miles to the Dallas-Fort Worth region, which is experiencing rapid population growth and increasing water demands.
The estimated cost of the project exceeds $4.4 billion (in 2018 dollars), with completion targeted for 2050. In addition to the reservoir itself, extensive infrastructure, including pipelines and pump stations, would need to be constructed to transport the water.
Community Concerns
The meeting, held at the North Central Texas Council of Governments, drew dozens of concerned citizens who articulated their fears about the reservoir’s potential impact. Jim Thompson, chair of the Region D Water Planning Group, likened the reservoir to “a gnat on an elephant’s rear” for Region C, but emphasized that it represents a significant threat to the communities in Region D.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of attention their concerns have received. “I don’t know if we’re not being heard, we’re not being understood, or nobody cares,” Thompson lamented. He highlighted the willingness of Region D to collaborate on alternative solutions, such as utilizing underused reservoirs in the area.
Voices of the Affected
During the public comment segment, a diverse group of speakers, including farmers, ranchers, and preservationists, shared their personal stakes in the project. One fifth-generation landowner, Evan Purviance, questioned who would truly benefit from the reservoir, noting the loss of thousands of acres of land that support his livelihood.
Stanley Jessee, a former school superintendent, brought attention to the potential loss of tax revenue for local schools, stating that the reservoir’s footprint would disrupt the community’s educational resources. Others echoed similar sentiments, urging the Region C group to consider the moral implications of displacing families and destroying farmland.
Critique of the Feasibility Study
The meeting also featured a presentation by Simone Kiel, a lead consultant for the Region C group, who shared findings from a feasibility study. Attendees reacted skeptically to some of the data, particularly when Kiel claimed that less than 600 acres of prime farmland would be affected. This statement prompted laughter and disbelief among residents who felt their concerns were being downplayed.
Kiel’s assertion that mitigation strategies would not be determined until the permitting process further fueled frustration. Many residents called for a shift in focus towards water conservation and infrastructure improvements rather than pursuing new reservoir projects.
Legislative and Community Advocacy
The opposition to the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has gained momentum in recent years, with groups like Preserve Northeast Texas organizing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for alternative solutions. A letter from State Rep. Gary Van Deaver was read during the meeting, describing the project as one of the “largest land grabs by eminent domain” in Texas history, urging all Texans to be alarmed by the implications.
Community members are not just voicing their concerns; they are actively seeking alternatives. Many suggested investing in existing water bodies and improving conservation efforts rather than pursuing a costly and disruptive new reservoir.
The Road Ahead
As the Texas Water Development Board prepares to deliver a final feasibility report to the state Legislature early next year, the voices of northeast Texas residents continue to resonate. The deadline for public comments on the draft feasibility study is approaching, and community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns.
The Marvin Nichols Reservoir proposal has reignited a long-standing debate about water management in Texas, pitting the needs of a growing urban population against the rights and livelihoods of rural residents. As discussions unfold, the future of this contentious project remains uncertain, with the community steadfast in its resolve to protect their land and way of life.