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Jacksonville council opposes groundwater withdrawal applications affecting Carrizo–Wilcox aquifer

5957055 · July 9, 2025

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Summary

The council adopted a resolution opposing groundwater withdrawal applications by Red Town Ranch Holdings LLC and Pine Bliss LLC that the city said could tap the Carrizo–Wilcox aquifer and affect local water supplies; staff noted the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District had scheduled evidentiary hearings.

The Jacksonville City Council on July 8 approved a resolution opposing groundwater withdrawal applications submitted by Red Town Ranch Holdings LLC and Pine Bliss LLC that would tap the Carrizo–Wilcox aquifer.

City staff described a public hearing held by the "Naches and Trinity valleys Groundwater Conservation District" on June 19 and said that the district moved to contract with the State Office of Administrative Hearings to hold future evidentiary hearings. Staff asked the council to put on record the city's concerns about potential impacts on water pressure, well depth and the five wells the city uses in concert with surface water supplies from Lake Jacksonville and Lake Acre.

A staff member also said the resolution included an attachment with a letter from State Senator Nichols pertinent to the matter. Mayor Pro Tem Tim McRae moved to approve the resolution in opposition to the withdrawals; Councilman Rob Goin seconded. The council approved the resolution by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

The resolution records the council's opposition to the specific withdrawal applications and documents city concerns about regional groundwater impacts. Staff directed members of the public to the groundwater district's website for more detailed information about the pending administrative process and to contact the district for updates on evidentiary hearings.

Votes at a glance: Resolution opposing groundwater withdrawal applications by Red Town Ranch Holdings LLC and Pine Bliss LLC — approved (unanimous voice vote; motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tim McRae, second by Councilman Rob Goin).