Texarkana officials met Thursday at North Heights Community School for a public town‑hall to discuss a proposed 40‑year lease of the city’s water rights at Millwood Lake. City Manager Tyler Richards briefed roughly 70 attendees on the plan, which would allow the Southwest Arkansas Water District to lease the rights held by Texarkana, Ashdown, Hope and Ogden.

According to the Texarkana Gazette, the lease could generate between $16 million and $20 million annually for Texarkana, potentially exceeding $1 billion over the 40‑year term as water prices rise. Richards emphasized that “Arkansas’ current and future water needs are our priority” and that “Arkansas’ needs will always come first.”

State Senator Jimmy Hickey Jr. has publicly opposed the project, warning that the projected revenue could affect the special state income‑tax exemption that currently benefits Texarkana, Arkansas residents. Hickey also questioned whether the anticipated funds would be used to reduce water bills or city debt, as promised.

Community members raised additional concerns about transparency, environmental impact and contractual safeguards. The Gazette’s editorial outlined eight protections that many residents believe should be mandatory before any agreement is approved, including:

• Creation of a separate water‑sale revenue account with public tracking.
• Equitable allocation of infrastructure improvements across city wards.
• An independent environmental impact study of Millwood Lake water withdrawals.
• Strengthened opt‑out provisions allowing any participating municipality to withdraw without unanimous consent.
• Public disclosure of all contracts at least four weeks before any vote, plus two town‑hall meetings—one in the afternoon and one after 5 p.m.—to accommodate varied schedules.
• Full financial‑conflict disclosures for officials and negotiators.
• Guarantees that revenue will directly benefit residents through water‑bill relief, infrastructure upgrades, drainage projects and debt reduction.
• Annual independent audits and public financial reports.

While the city has not yet set dates for the additional public meetings required by the proposed safeguards, officials indicated that further town‑hall sessions will be scheduled before any council vote. Residents are urged to monitor the city’s website and local news outlets for announcements.

What’s next: The city plans to release the full lease contract and supporting documents at least four weeks before a council vote. Additional town‑hall meetings—one in the early afternoon and another after 5 p.m.—will be announced in the coming weeks to give all residents an opportunity to weigh in.

Sources: texarkanagazette.com, texarkanagazette.com