Texarkana city officials are inviting residents to a public town‑hall meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. The gathering will take place in the auditorium of North Heights Community School, 2118 E. 35th St., and will focus on a proposed 40‑year lease of Millwood Lake water rights.
What the lease entails
City Manager Tyler Richards outlined the plan to the Texarkana, Arkansas, Board of Directors in October. Under the proposal, the Southwest Arkansas Water District would negotiate a long‑term lease of water rights that the city and neighboring communities currently hold at Millwood Lake. A private customer in North Texas would receive the water for agricultural, industrial, or municipal use.
Potential financial impact
Richards said the arrangement could generate between $16 million and $20 million each year for Texarkana. Over the full 40‑year term, that could exceed $1 billion, especially as water prices rise. The projected revenue would bolster the city’s budget, supporting infrastructure projects, public safety, and community services without raising local taxes.
Community response and next steps
City leaders emphasized that the town hall will give citizens a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and learn how the lease could affect water availability and rates for local users. While the lease targets an out‑of‑state buyer, officials assure residents that the city’s own water supply will remain protected.
Residents are encouraged to attend, review the lease documents that will be posted on the city’s website, and submit written comments before the meeting. The city will also provide a live stream for those unable to travel to North Heights Community School.
Following the public input, the city council is expected to vote on whether to move forward with the lease agreement later this month. If approved, the Southwest Arkansas Water District will begin negotiations with the prospective Texas customer.
For more information, including a copy of the lease proposal and details on how to submit comments, visit the city’s official webpage.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
