Texarkana residents are invited to a public town hall meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. in the North Heights Community School gym (2118 E. 35th St.) to hear details about a proposed lease of Millwood Lake water rights.
According to the Texarkana Gazette, the proposal, advanced by City Manager Tyler Richards, would allow the Southwest Arkansas Water District to negotiate a 40‑year lease of water rights currently held by Texarkana and neighboring communities. The lease would be sold to a customer in North Texas.
Richards told the Texarkana, Arkansas, Board of Directors in October that the arrangement could generate between $16 million and $20 million annually for the city. Over the full term, the revenue could exceed $1 billion as water prices rise.
City officials say the infusion of funds would support municipal projects, infrastructure upgrades, and potentially lower local taxes. They also note that the lease would not affect the city’s existing water supply for residents, as the rights pertain to water allocated for external commercial use.
Opponents of the plan, including some local environmental groups, have raised concerns about long‑term water availability and the impact on regional ecosystems. They argue that leasing such a large portion of the lake’s rights could limit future flexibility for the community.
Supporters, however, point to the significant financial benefit and the opportunity to leverage a valuable asset without raising taxes. The Southwest Arkansas Water District, which would manage the lease, emphasizes that the agreement includes safeguards to maintain lake levels and water quality.
The town hall will feature a presentation by City Manager Richards, followed by a question‑and‑answer session with city council members and district representatives. Residents will have the chance to voice support or concerns before the board makes a final recommendation.
What’s next: After the Nov. 12 meeting, the city council will review public input and schedule a vote on the lease proposal later this month. Residents are encouraged to attend the town hall or submit comments online through the city’s official website.
Sources: texarkanagazette.com
