POSSUM KINGDOM LAKE ASSOCIATION AUGUST 2014
P. O. Box 492, Graford, Texas 76449 www.pklakeassn.org

HELP!!!!  Enclosed Postcards  HELP!!!

PLEASE take a moment and mail both enclosed postcards.  We need your elected officials to monitor BRA’s TCEQ application for more water sales. Please use your home address (where you vote), to send postcards to your elected Senator and Representative.  You can find the name of legislators by going to the Legislative Website- www.legis.state.tx.us (TLO) or mobile version www.txlegis.com.  Remember to sign and give your home address.  These postcards need to be mailed as soon possible.

Report PKLA Annual Meeting June 7, 2014

A very well attended PKLA Annual meeting provided the following information.  As you may have heard, our neighbors down at Granbury have been working hard to get the BRA to reconsider the water management plan BRA implemented as a result of the Halff Study.  This involves a strategy to “balance” water levels in some equitable (highly questionable and much to the detriment of PK) manner.  Granbury property owners forced a meeting with elected officials and the BRA to try to get BRA to consider triple the amount of water released from PK and into Granbury. The PK Community was refused participation in that meeting by Granbury. The PKLA Board wrote and delivered a response called “The White Papers” to BRA.  This “White Paper” document can be read on our website. Please understand, we are not trying to pick a fight, just standing up for what we believe is right.  We believe that the drought has universal impact and that one group or entity should not be allowed to benefit to the detriment of others.

Jim Lattimore reviewed the Midwestern University Economic Impact study conducted on the PK Lake area.  This study was done to show how low lake levels will impact the PK community.

A report on PKLA efforts regarding BRA/TCEQ application was given by Leigh Ing, TCEQ consultant.  BRA was required to amend their Water Management Plan.  TCEQ will turn the application back over to SOAH Judges to continue the hearing process.  Minutes for the meeting are on the website.

PKLA Directors met with BRA July 2, 2014 in Waco

PKLA directors travel to Waco to meet with BRA staff about Lake Granbury’s request to reopen the 2011 Halff Study.  This study was used to establish the draw down ratio, 1:1.75.  PKLA presented the Midwestern University Economic Impact study on the economic conditions as a result of low lake levels.  Jim Lattimore pointed out that the PK Community is already feeling the effects of the drought and strained economic conditions.  PKLA presented their White papers and resolution.  They also brought resolutions from Palo Pinto, Young and Stephens County  Commissioners Court, City of Graham, PK Chamber of Commerce, and City of Jacksboro that support PKLA position not to reopen the Halff Study.  PKLA directors pointed out that BRA should use best use practices to manage the water and not be tied to draw down ratio.

BRA Board met July 28, 2014

The following Possum Kingdom Lake agenda items were considered by the BRA Board.

1. The BRA staff reviewed assumptions and criteria that were used in establishing the 2011 Halff Study and draw down ratio between PK and Lake Granbury.  Staff recommended to the board there be no re-evaluation unless a stakeholder committee is formed.  BRA Board passed a Resolution that would allow the formation of equal participates from Lake Granbury and PK to form a committee and if a consensus is reached on the scope and approach supporting the potential re-evaluation of the study.
2. The BRA Board passed a resolution to allow CEO Phil Ford to negotiate agreements previously entered into with parties opposing the System Operation Permit (BRA’s Application)as long as all negotiations are in the best interest of BRA.
3. Report on State Water Policy Update

TCEQ met April 9, 2014 and created a Water Master position that will govern from PK Lake to the Gulf.  TCEQ indicated that it could take 15-18 months to hire a Water Master and staff. In hiring this additional staff, BRA’s budget and water rate-will be affected for 2015.  Abilene successfully argued that since there is currently no reservoir above PK, there was no need for a Water Master to govern the river above PK.

House Bill (HB) 4 established a 3 member state water development board (TWDB). In June 2014, each Regional water board will submit their 2011 draft of prioritized projects and the TWDB will formalize rules for priority consideration. In September 2014, Regional water boards will turn in finalized priority projects list.  December 2014, TWDB adopt statewide prioritized rules.  Two proposed Brazos River projects that could be considered include Allen Creek (Houston) and Cedar Ridge (Abilene).

TCEQ/BRA Water Application Update

Big Thank You to everyone that have sent donations to the property protection fund!

Possible new timeline for this application includes:

• August 14, 2014 TCEQ returned application with new water management plan to SOAH Judges to continue hearing process
• December 8, 2014 Date assigned to end the discovery process before hearings
• February 16, 2015Hearings begin
• February 27, 2015 Hearing concludes.
• March 2015 Application returns to TCEQ commissioners for consideration

BRA has updated their water management plan.  PKLA hydrologist experts reviewed the new report and will be ready with their opinion by the end of August.  Their expert opinions will be used in the hearing.  We will try to have updated by the November Newsletter.  There appears to be no improvements for Possum Kingdom under this latest update.

Republican Candidate for Governor Greg Abbott visits PK

Approximately 80 PK residents attended a reception held at The Cliffs for Greg Abbott.  Attorney General Abbott spoke to the group about his vision for Texas.  He stated he was appreciated the PK response from those attending and enjoyed the beauty of Possum Kingdom Lake.

Thank you to County Officials

PKLA directors and the Possum Kingdom Community would like to send out a big “THANK YOU” to Palo Pinto County Commissioner’s Court, Stephen’s County Commissioner’s Court, and Young County Commissioners Court, Graham City Council, Jacksboro City Council Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, and the Possum Kingdom Water Supply for passing resolutions supporting the PK Lake Association White Paper and Resolution.

MEMBERSHIP 1065 Have you forgotten to send your membership renewal in for this year?

As PKLA works in Austin representing the Possum Kingdom Lake Community, your membership has never been more important.    Not only are the dues important to support the work of PKLA but we need to count you as a member!!  Sit down now and write your check and fill out the renewal or call your PK neighbor and give them membership information.  Membership forms are located on our website, www.pklakeassn.org.  Dues are $40.

If our records indicate that you have not renewed your membership, a label is attached at the bottom of this page. If you have questions call Carolyn 940.779.3863