Dallas needs land to build a reservoir, rankling some East Texans

               As Texas continues to swelter in the midst of a historic drought, cities continue to grow putting a strain on their water supplies.  The Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area is no exception and one proposed solution is not sitting well with some residents in East Texas.  The Texas Water Development Board is proposing to build a dam at the Sulphur River, providing relief to the city of Dallas at the expense of existing landowners.  The proposed dam would create a reservoir covering 72,000 acres and require a further 160,000 acres of wetland preservation in accordance with federal law.  

                A recent article in Texas Monthly discusses the issue with State Representative David Simpson of Longview.  “This Land Is Your Land, Until Dallas Needs It” is an insightful read on the debate between eminent domain and property rights.  Representative Simpson brings controversial but intriguing ideas to the table, including paying property owners interest payments on future income lost in addition to the standard fair market value.  He advocates for a free market system where the price of water is determined by the market instead of regional water utilities.  While his ideas may not be the most prudent in many Texans' eyes, they do provoke discussion and perhaps he may have a point.  I recommend this article as it is thought provoking and the issue of property rights concerns all Texans, regardless of party affiliation.