From The KMIL  News Room

(CAMERON) Two groups spoke at Wednesday’s meeting of the Brazos G Regional Water Planning Group. One opposing the proposed Little River Reservoir near Cameron, and another requesting a reservoir.

Four people from the Bell-Milam Land and Water Rights Association spoke against the proposed Reservoir. The group has opposed the plan since the idea was first introduced back in 1967, and has vigorously opposed the reservoir during the planning process of the Region G group’s 50 year water plan, which is set to be approved by the Texas Water Development Board next week in Austin. Concerns listed by the group include:

The claims of economic development are unfounded and contradictory to observation.

Environmental concerns, including wetlands and native stands of pecan and oak trees.

the current proposal calls for at least 35,500 acres of land to be inundated.

Historical significance of the proposed site, including family cemeteries and farms and Indian burial grounds.

And the removal of between $4 and $6 million in agriculture and livestock production for the county and school tax rolls.

The group also resents the idea that much of the water appears earmarked for Houston.

Stanley Trammell spoke to the group on behalf of a Stonewall County group that wants a reservoir built at the confluence of the Double Mountain Fork and Salt Fork of the Brazos River. The group’s comments came too late for inclusion in the current plan, but can be added to the next 5-year cycle, which the group is currently working on.

According to Sidney Youngblood, President of the Bell Milam Land and Water Rights Association, the proposed reservoir, as envisioned, would be constructed under the auspices of the Brazos River Authority, Brazos Region G Water Planning Group and Region H Regional Water Planning Group. These Three, along with the support of other Houston area water users, including the Gulf Coast Water Authority, are the major proponents and advocates for the Little River Reservoir. Youngblood said the concept of calling the reservoir a lake is another false idea. The proposed Reservoir will not be a nice, blue, constant level lake as some envision it. He said it will be a large cistern holding water to be delivered to Harris County and its environs on demand. There is no guarantee that the reservoir will have public access. The owners will control access, and Youngblood said that will not be us.

Youngbood’s group has also put together a fact sheet about the reservoir. Among the facts, the reservoir will include part of suburban Cameron. The area will include the current water treatment plant and sewage treatment plants for the City of Cameron. It will include water levels up to, or at least very close to the Cameron County Club. County Road 227 will be closed between the Country Club and for some distance beyond the current Little River Bridge on County Road 227.  

For more information about the project visit the following links