Paul's Water Policy Legislation Approved by Congress PDF Print E-mail
FOR RELEASE: October 26, 2000

Paul's Water Policy Legislation Approved by Congress Legislation Increases Availability of Local Water; Restores Local Ownership of Water Project

Washington D.C.- Legislation introduced by Congressman Ron Paul to restore ownership of the Lake Texana/Palmetto Bend project to the State of Texas was approved by Congress late Tuesday evening, when legislators from both parties joined Paul in supporting the Palmetto Bend Conveyance Act. The Act authorizes the State of Texas, acting through the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA), to purchase the federal interest in Lake Texana. The bill was designed to restore local control over the Lake Texana water supply and increase local availability of water in Jackson and Calhoun counties.
Successful passage of the legislation follows months of ongoing efforts by Congressman Paul, who worked tirelessly with members of the House Resources committee to finalize the bill before Congress adjourned for the year.
"I'm very pleased with yesterday's vote, which comes after months of work at the committee level in the House of Representatives," Paul stated. "By taking the federal government out of the equation, this bill gives Texans more say over their own water issues. The federal government has proven itself a very poor manager of local water resources, while the LNRA has demonstrated it can manage the project in a cost-efficient manner. This legislation will result in less regulation and important cost reductions for the people of Jackson county and all areas supplied by Lake Texana."
The bill allows the LNRA to assume full ownership of the project, reducing operation costs by eliminating dual management with federal authorities. Mitzi Mauritz, President of the Authority's Board of Directors, stated that Congressman Paul has worked closely with the LNRA during this Congress and has been instrumental in keeping our issue before the House. "Without his efforts, we could not have achieved passage of this legislation which we believe is so vital to the future development of the water resources of our region. We are extremely fortunate to have a dedicated lawmaker in Washington protecting the local interest."
The federal Bureau of Reclamation recently completed its final environmental assessment concerning the title transfer of the Palmetto Bend project to the LNRA, identifying no adverse environmental impact.
"Local control of resources is critical," Paul concluded. "People know that management by federal regulators does not work. Local control will result in better conservation of resources and the elimination of policies which have encouraged the inefficient use of water. I will continue my efforts to restore federally controlled land to the people of the State of Texas."