June, 23 2010  Swisher County Residents May Offer Comments About Annexation Into High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1

A public meeting/hearing will be held July 8 at 7 p.m. at the Swisher County Memorial Building, 127 SW 2nd Street in Tulia to give local residents an opportunity to offer comments about the proposed annexation of all of Swisher County into the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1.

“Management of underground water has become more political and complex during the past few years, “said Jim Conkwright, High Plains Water District manager. “Swisher County officials and landowners have expressed interest in joining the Water District to assure local control and management of their groundwater resources.”

Under the provisions of Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code, groundwater conservation districts “provide for the conservation, preservation, protection, recharging, and prevention of waste of the underground water reservoirs.” Created in 1951, the High Plains Water District is the first groundwater conservation district formed in Texas.

In 1990, Swisher County was designated as a Priority Groundwater Management Area (PGMA) by the State of Texas. Because of this designation, county officials have three options: create their own underground water conservation district, join an existing groundwater conservation district, or face state control of groundwater.

Citing the importance of maintaining local control of groundwater, the Swisher County Commissioners’ Court has submitted a resolution requesting annexation of the county into the High Plains Water District. The resolution was received by the Water District Board of Directors at their June 15 regular meeting.

The July 8 public hearing has been ordered by the High Plains Water District Board to determine if annexation of Swisher County would benefit the landowners in the area and the Water District.

A second hearing is scheduled for August 17 at 9:00 a.m. in the A. Wayne Wyatt Board Room at the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 office, 2930 Avenue Q, in Lubbock. At that time, the five-member Board of Directors will take comments for residents of the existing Water District regarding the proposed annexation of Swisher County.

The High Plains Water District Board of Directors may order a Nov. 2, 2010 annexation election if it is determined that the annexation is beneficial.

Swisher County residents may obtain additional information about the proposed annexation by contacting Jim Conkwright or Sherry Stephens at (806) 762-0181.

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Web posted at 1:23 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2010.