Deadline Friday for Submission of Comments on Marvin Nichols Reservoir

Paris News, November 30, 2023

The deadline to submit comments on a proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir to the Texas Water Development Board is Friday.

At the instruction from the Texas Legislature, the Texas Water Development Board survey comes after State Rep. Gary VanDeaver requested the review as part of House Bill 1, which passed the Legislature earlier this year.

“People in my district deserve the right to be heard by state leaders,” VanDeaver said. “Too often rural Texans are left behind while the spotlight shines on the needs of our large urban neighbors. I fought for the Legislature to include this important review, and I hope everyone will speak out about how the timeline, cost and economic impact of Marvin Nichols would impact them and our overall community.”

Those submitting information to be considered in the feasibility review may provide input on the following topics by Dec. 1, 2023: 1. Implementation timeline 2. Associated costs 3. Land acquisition considerations 4. Economic impact.

Preserve Northeast Texas, a steering committee consisting of Northeast Texas officials including Cass County Judge Travis Ransom along with other leaders to include Jim Thompson, Max Shumake, Gary Cheatwood, Janice Bezanson and others, encourages quick action.

“This is an important time for those opposing the reservoir to make their voice heard,” according to a statement in a news release. “To aid in this effort, Preserve Northeast Texas has created a simple online form that will help you share your message directly with TWDB. You can find the link at: https://bit.ly/NoMarvinNichols.”