"For the long-term interest of both parties, including the people of Fannin County, Upper Trinity is proud to be working with Ladonia toward a shared vision to develop a lake that will provide future water supply and will help improve opportunities for people," remarked Thomas E. Taylor, executive director for Upper Trinity Reional Water District.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the North Sulphur River was straightened and channelized to improve drainage and to reduce flooding near Ladonia. That channelization has resulted in severe erosion and environmental degradation of the river environment. The proposed lake is expected to offer better water management strategies, improve habitat for fish and wildlife and improve water quality for this segment of the North Sulphur River. Not only will the proposed lake assist in the revitalization of the environment and wildlife. It will assist in revitalizing Ladonia.
"We see Lake Ralph Hall as a means of stimulating Ladonia's declining economy and helping to improve the citizens' quality of life," stated City of Ladonia Mayor Leon Hurse. "And the lake will also benefit the area around us."
Upper Trinity and Ladonia are in Region C of the State's Water Plan and are obligated to develop viable water supply plans for the next fifty years for their respective service areas. The lake is estimated to yield a reliable water supply of approximately 30 million gallons per day for Upper Trinity, its members and customers, as well as Ladonia and North Hunt County Water Supply Corporation.
Mr. Taylor states, "We have evaluated the feasibility of the proposed lake and we believe the lake will be mutually beneficial to both parties. Upper Trinity will take the lead in developing the lake and Ladonia will take the lead in meeting local water supply needs."
Under the new agreement, Upper Trinity will make available reasonable amounts of water to assist in meeting local needs in the Sulphur River Basin in southeast Fannin County.
"Upper Trinity has agreed to make available to Ladonia and to North Hunt County Water Supply Corporation up to five percent of the firm yield (about 1,500,000 gallons per day) of the lake for local use," Mr. Taylor added. "In addition, Ladonia will have the option in the future to purchase additional amounts of water," he commented.
Mayor Hurse concluded: "The proposed Lake Raph Hall is a viable project for southeastern Fannin County that will address the economic development and serious environmental issues as well as provide a reliable water supply source for the future of Ladonia. We are glad to be a partner in this project."
Upper Trinity was created by the legislature in 1989 to plan and provide water and wastewater services on a wholesale basis in the Denton, Collin and Dallas county areas -- and is governed by a board of 27 directors appointed by member entities.
