Toledo Bend water sales suspended
A loud cheer arose from the between 300-400 local citizens gathered for a meeting at Cypress Bend on Jan. 12 after the Sabine River Authority (SRA) voted to suspend water sales to Texas until a comprehensive water plan for Louisiana is developed.
Despite the SRA working diligently for a year on the sales contract itself, and Executive Director Jim Pratt touting the sales for the better part of eight years, the issue became highly contested in the past month, with more and more lake residents showing opposition to the sales.
The SRA board talked about the numerous comments they received and the overwhelming negative response to the sales. Of the 386 comments received, only seven could be considered favorable, with the number one issue being the impact to the lake level. Other conflicting issues included ethics, public distrust, stopping generation, property value concerns, and who will benefit from the extra money.
“This speaks volumes,” Sen. Gerald Long said immediately after the board vote at the beginning of the meeting.
Long stated that he has had a number of conversations with Gov. Bobby Jindal, whose signature was required before the water could be sold to Texas.
The popular senator, who will chair this year’s Senate Natural Resource Committee, also stated that he will be instructing his staff to create a joint resolution to request a comprehensive analysis of all surface and ground waters, and how to manage them best in the future.
“You deserve it,” Long added. “Doing your part in government allows us to make good decisions.”
He also wants to start a blue ribbon committee, made up of local people, to study the issue.
Around 10 or so local citizens spoke during a public comment period after the decision.
Many were critical, with one angry attendee, Paul Ringo, calling for a legislative audit and investigation of the SRA. He contends that the board voluntarily withheld public info and wants to know where money has gone with regards to maintenance at the dam.
Joe Palermo, for instance, called the water sales issue a case of “good ole’ boy” politics and wanted any Louisiana water sales brought to the vote of the people.
Sean Rosenzweig of TB Partners thanked those in attendance for calling and asking questions.
“The move from power generation to water sales will be good for Toledo Bend,” Rosenzweig said. “We also agree with the governor that more time is warranted.”
Rosenzweig also stated that this has been a good starting point, and if there is mutual interest in the future, TB Partners will be happy to participate.
Gloria Thompson, a local businesswoman who was quite vocal about stump cutting several months back, also offered an opinion about water sales. She urged that after looking at water models, local citizens should reserve their final decision on water sales to a much later time.
