State-ordered feasibility review of Marvin Nichols prompts urgent comment period

By News Staff

Mount Pleasant Tribune, October 24, 2023

NORTHEAST TEXAS —A new development in the decades-long fight over a proposed reservoir in Northeast Texas is offering Texans a chance to speak out in defense of private property and against the use of eminent domain for an unnecessary, outdated water project. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is conducting a feasibility review of the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir. This comes after State Representative 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,” said VanDeaver. “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.” 

To gather material for the review, the TWDB has provided a window of opportunity from now until December 1, 2023. The TWDB requests submission of meaningful input and information. This is an important time for those opposing the reservoir to make their voice heard – and to do so quickly. 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

Those submitting information to be considered in the feasibility review may provide input on the following topics by December 1, 2023:

1.  Implementation timeline 

2.  Associated costs 

3.  Land acquisition considerations 

4.  Economic impact

While the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has been under discussion for decades, opponents have thus far been able to successfully push back against the largest planned land-grab in recent Texas history. This is a chance to let water planners know why Marvin Nichols is an outdated solution to our modern water challenges and to hear the stories of what will be lost if the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir is allowed to be built.

About Preserve Northeast Texas: The Preserve Northeast Texas Steering Committee includes: Cass County Judge Travis Ransom, Bill Ward, Jim Thompson, Max Shumake, Shirley Shumake, Linda Price, Richard LeTourneau, Cynthia Gwinn, Gary Cheatwood, and Janice Bezanson.Residents of Northeast Texas as well as supporting Texans are invited to join the campaign and subscribe to the newsletter.

Learn more about Preserve Northeast Texas: Stop Marvin Nichols online at www.PreserveNortheastTexas.org, and follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram at @PreserveNortheastTexas and Twitter (X) @NoMarvinNichols.