Possum Kingdom Lake Association
August, 2011 Newsletter
P. O. Box 492 Graford 76449
FERC Decommission Application filed July 19, 2011
BRA filed the decommissioning application with FERC and is hopeful to have some response to the application by the first of the year. PKLA has filed paperwork to intervene in the process. This will allow PKLA access to all correspondence on this important issue.
Brazos Electric vs. BRA law suit
Brazos Electric vs. BRA lawsuit had been appealed to the Texas Supreme Court. This court denied a hearing on this case. Brazos Electric filed again asking that the court to reconsider their denial. The Supreme Court denied a hearing on this case for a second and final time.
Update Cedar Ridge Reservoir
In the July 17, 2011 Abilene Reporter News article, “Water Woes: New Reservoir on tap” written by Larry Zelisko is a report that Tommy O’Brien director of water utilities is finalizing a water rights application to TCEQ to build this new reservoir on the Clear Fork of the Brazos. The estimated cost will be $244 million. Upon completion of the application city staff will go before Abilene city commissioner to request permission to submit the application. Abilene Mayor Archibald has made finding a new water source a priority for the city.
Abilene has already contracted with BRA for an additional 20,000 acre ft. of water that will be pumped out of Possum Kingdom Lake for their future needs.
BRA Board meeting July 25, 2011
The BRA Board met in Waco and agenda items of interest to PK include:
9. Discussion and possible action on PK Distribution system infrastructure which is the rewiring and distribution of electricity. The entire dam and BRA village will need electric meters and new lines installed. United Coop will provide the needed work and electricity.
10. Discussion and possible action of West Central Brazos Water Distribution system which is the use of the pipeline which supplies water to oil companies in Stephens County. The board voted to adjust the water use and transportation rate.
Flood Gates Open
The BRA opened one flood gate at PK on June 30 and again on July 20 for a period of eight hours each time. On August 15th a flood gate was open for 24 hours. The releases were in accordance with BRA’s water management policy. BRA states on their web-site, www.brazos.org, that additional gate opening will be occurring in coming weeks due to drought conditions in the state.
TCEQ Application
BRA’s permit application to sale an additional 450,000 acre ft. of water is currently in hearing stage in Austin. This summer 2 judges heard testimony on the request. The Judges are scheduled to have a proposal by October 18, 2011. Friends of the Brazos have hired a lawyer Richard Lowerre. He has prepared Friends of the Brazos position paper which is the 2nd page of the newsletter. PKLA is investigating the intervention process and will make an effort to present concerns at the appropriate time.
Cell phone Coverage
Cell phone service around Possum Kingdom Lake continues to be problem. The eastside Chamber of Commerce has designed cell phone coverage as a priority agenda item for this year. Board director James Smith has been working on bringing the coverage issue to the attention of ATT, who owns the towers in the area. James states that Possum Kingdom Lake has currently been placed on a watch list by the company. Fire Chief Ronnie Ranft has also stated that the coverage is problematic for the VFD and EMS efforts.
Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels are in the waters at Lake Texoma and some lakes out of state. These mussels negatively impact everything from fishing to water supplies. Texas Parks and Wildlife have visited marina owners about watching for boats being hauled to PK. Boater awareness programs are being used to education the public on the harmful effect these mussels have in water supplies. The PK water supply corporation is aware of the problems that the mussels can create to water pumps, etc.
911 Awareness
The Lake Association 911 awareness efforts include a 2,000 piece mail out with the 911 magnets and “this 911 address” sign. Additional magnets and signs are available upon request. Please take a minute and post your 911 address on your boat dock and road side of your house.
Thank you for renewing your membership! If you have not renewed please mail your membership,$40, to the address at the top of the page.