When General Russel Honore' gave his keynote address to the Chamber Southwest last year, he assured us that water would be the world's defining commodity in the 21st Century. Regions will be divided between those which have ample supplies of fresh water and those that don't. After a two-year drought it would be hard to ignore his warning.
And so the Sabine River Authority's proposal to enter into a 99-year contract to sell water from Toledo Bend to Texas ought to be a big red flashing warning light to anyone who lives or works in western Louisiana. Southwest Louisiana is especially exposed. We depend on our industrial complex, and our industrial complex depends on huge amounts of fresh water in their processes. Any shift of water to Texas shifts the probability of the plants leaning harder on the aquifer under our community, which is something we just don't want.
99 years is a long time. Nothing against our friends in Texas, but selling them our Louisiana water is simply a breathtakingly BAD idea. If you agree, click here to make your own feelings known.
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As a Property Owner at Toledo Bend, it troubles me greatly to know that this proposal, to enter into a contract to sell the water from Toledo Bend Reservoir to “Toledo Bend Partners”, is actually being considered. I have invested a lot of money, time and sweat into that property and am looking forward to retiring, spending the last years of my life with my Family, enjoying this property. But with this proposed ‘Sale of Water’, there won’t be anything to enjoy! The water, right now is down about 11’+ in the Reservoir…. a good 20 yards from my dock and boat launches are limited to say the least on the Lake- The negative impact from this proposal is far reaching, not just with property owners, but Sport Fisherman, Business owners, both at Toledo Bend and the SWLA Industries, which depend on the Lake level being maintained, not to mention the Environmental (Chico Aquifer) fall-out that will occur if this is allowed! I agree with statement in the Lake Charles American Press “The SRA Staff and Board are being penny wise and dollar-foolish!” I would hope that due diligence be used, consideration of the effect this will have on the area, a ‘NO’ vote is issued by the Sabine River Authority Board regarding this proposal.
Posted by: Keith Carlson | January 10, 2012 at 07:41 AM
Let Texas find their own water,we need all we can get,99 years is a long time to enter into an agreement.Lets keep ourself out of what they or going thur.
Posted by: Steve Soileau | January 10, 2012 at 03:22 PM
This is the dumbest proposal I’ve heard of in a long time. Next why don’t we divert the Mississippi River to Texas!!!
Posted by: Jim Nicholson | January 10, 2012 at 05:56 PM