WASHINGTON, DC - US Rep. Ron Paul's HR 2161 will be the subject of committee hearings next week. The bill, which would transfer title of Lake Texana to the State of Texas, was introduced last year by Rep. Paul.

"By taking the federal government out of the equation, this bill will allow Texans more say over their own water issues, it will result in less regulation and important cost reductions to the people of Jackson County and the water users of Lake Texana," Paul said.

Paul was quick to praise the efforts of district residents who worked to put together a bill which took into account the concerns of different interests in the district.

"Mr. Cole Rowland from the Highland Lakes Group alerted me to concerns of folks in Travis County, Mr. Rowland was very helpful and we worked together to come up with changes to the legislation which will take care of the very legitimate concerns which Mr. Rowland presented," Paul said, adding that he would change the bill to reflect the suggestions of Mr. Rowland, verbatim.

Paul also praised Emmett Gloyna and officials of the Lavaca/Navidad River Authority, (LNRA) "together with Mr. Rowland they were very reasonable and open minded in working together to get a good bill. Now we can move forward with getting the bill enacted so that the people of Jackson, Calhoun and Aransas counties, and indeed all those along the central Gulf Coast, can benefit from reduced rates."

Paul said, "I think it is a testament to the people involved in this issue that we were able to come to agreement on the wording and I'm glad that we are actually getting the bill to the committee hearing stage, it has been a pleasure bringing these folks together in this way to make sure that the residents of both Jackson County and Travis County are happy with the bill."

Mr. Rowland, President of the Highland Lakes Group said, "We were originally concerned about the possible diversion of water, with the language we worked up I'm now confident that will not happen. Congressman Paul and the folks at LNRA worked closely with us and were very receptive to our concerns, for that I am most grateful."

Emmett Golyna of LNRA added that "this has been a challenging process, we've received lots of help from Congressman Paul's office in negotiating issues. We appreciate that and are very much looking forward to completing this transaction which will provide tremendous benefits to our customers."