NEWS
Upper Trinity’s proposed rules for acreage draw anger
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Plans to increase the tract size requirement for water wells from two to five acres across the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District drew the most fire Thursday afternoon during a Montague County public hearing in Bowie.
About 20 people attended the hearing on proposed permanent rules as the district board and staff wrapped up a series of meetings explaining the proposals. To read a full description of all the rules visit the district website at: uppertrinitygcd.com.
A hearing also is planned in conjunction with the board’s regular November meeting at 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the district office, 1859 West State Highway 199, Springtown.
General Manager Doug Shaw made a brief presentation on the changes before taking questions. District legal counsel Brian Sledge and Board President Tracy Mesler, Nocona, also attended. The district hopes to get the rules approved before Jan. 1, 2019 to avoid any possible conflicts with bills that may come out of the new legislative session.
Leading the changes is an expanded acreage minimum for a well moving up to five acres from the present two acres. Commercial users and public water systems also will go from a registration to a permit system.
The UTGCD was formed in 2007 and serves Montague, Wise, Hood and Parker Counties. The district’s temporary rules were established in 2009 as the district began gathering data to help establish the permanent rules, plus began registering wells and monitoring production and use.
Shaw said they have about 150 wells that are measured quarterly and several that provide daily reports.
“We started collecting data to create well-thought out rules backed by the science,” said Shaw.
Read the full story in the weekend News.
Signs 1,155 Bills, Vetoes 26 Bills For 89th Regular Legislative Session
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the final list of 1,155 bills signed into law and 26 bills vetoed from the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Governor Abbott’s veto statements may be viewed here and here. The Governor also announced he will call a Special Session to begin on Monday, July 21, along with an initial list of agenda items.
“Working with the Texas Legislature, we delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott. “Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk. This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”
All seven of Governor Abbott’s emergency items passed the Texas Legislature and were signed into law:
- Property Tax Relief
- Generational Investment in Water
- Raise Teacher Pay
- Expand Career Training
- School Choice
- Bail Reform
- Creation of the Texas Cyber Command
Additionally, Governor Abbott:
- Signed 1,155 bills
- Vetoed 26 bills
- Signed the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act and the Supplemental Budget
At this time, the Governor has identified several bills that were vetoed or filed without signature that will be placed on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration:
- Senate Bill 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products.
- Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
- Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
- Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
- Senate Bill 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
- Senate Bill 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.
On Friday city officials reported the intersection at Rock and Pillar was closed due to a sinkhole in the street. This area has been experiencing major drainage problems for many years damaging culverts and the street asphalt and concrete, with a portion of the street collapsing earlier in the spring. Drivers should avoid this area.
-
NEWS3 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS2 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS2 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS2 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS2 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS2 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
NEWS2 years agoBowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
-
NEWS3 years ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint