Region D opposes Marvin Nichols Reservoir
CBS19, February 21, 2025
Texas Water (& Land) Fight: Region D’s Latest Move Against Marvin Nichols Reservoir
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the North East Texas Regional Water Planning Group (Region D), unanimously approved the Initially Prepared Plan (IPP) for the 2026 Region D Water Plan. The plan contained forceful language in opposition to the Marvin Nichols Reservoir, emphatically opposing its inclusion in any regional plan or the State Water Plan.
East Texas-area water planning group voices strong opposition to Marvin Nichols Reservoir
The proposed reservoir seeks to provide more water for Dallas-Fort Worth area residents, but several Northeast Texans say the project would take away private land.
Efforts underway to provide alternatives to proposed Marvin Nichols
While a feasibility study completed last year found no reason not to construct the reservoir, the words of Governor Greg Abbott still ring out to those opposed to the construction of Marvin Nichols. Abbott said roughly one year ago, “There are water needs, whether it be in the Dallas area or even in the Tyler area. But what we must do, we must explore other options before we start taking people’s lands or flooding property that’s been around for literally centuries.
Texas lawmakers agree on need for improved water infrastructure, but not the solution
One of Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency items for the current session of the Texas Legislature concerns upgrades to the state’s water infrastructure. He’s seeking to increase the state’s investment in water by allocating $1 billion a year for 10 years to tap into new water supplies and repair existing pipes to save billions of gallons of water each year.
Texas House bill could bring the end of Marvin Nichols Reservoir plan
Texas State Representative Gary VanDeaver has filed two bills that could put an end to plans to kick residents off land in east Texas for the Marvin Nichols Reservoir project, which would provide water for the Dallas metro area.
East Texas representatives push back against Marvin Nichols Reservoir, farmers speak out
“We think our citizens have a legitimate complaint and it’s our job to stand up for what’s right, and defend their private property rights,” Rep. Cole Hefner said.
Texas lawmakers opposing Marvin Nichols Reservoir want to tighten water planning process
Two state representatives filed bills tied to the reservoir this week and a senator hinted that there may be an alternative water source.
Preserve Northeast Texas Responds to Sen. Perry on Marvin Nichols Alternative
His recognition that Marvin Nichols is ’eminent domain purgatory’ rings true for all of the people of Northeast Texas who have for decades lived with the threat of the loss of their land, livelihoods and heritage to an unnecessary, costly and damaging reservoir.
2 East Texas representatives author bills opposing Marvin Nichols Reservoir
Rep. Cole Hefner said that the Marvin Nichols Reservoir project is about taking land from Northeast Texans to fix the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex’s water issues.
VanDeaver introduces bill that seeks to remove Marvin Nichols Reservoir from state water plan
Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, introduced House Bills 2109 and 2114 “to help block the further development and land grab of the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir,” according to a news release.
East Texans rally against proposal to flood their land for DFW’s water supply
Regional water planners would build the Marvin Nichols reservoir by flooding 67,000 acres in northeastern Texas. Pipes would carry the water to the Metroplex. Belcher owns more than 700 acres of land in the area, inherited from both sides of his family. He intends to pass down the property to his six grandchildren, keeping the ranch in the same family for seven generations.