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Study presented to Bryan council shows larger‑pumping scenario could enable billions in local economic output but requires mitigation and deeper wells
Summary
Consultants from Westwater Research presented socioeconomic modeling comparing two Simsboro Aquifer scenarios (PS4‑2 and PS4‑3). PS4‑3 — the higher‑pumping alternative — would allow about 1,000,000 additional acre‑feet over 50 years and, per the model, could yield roughly $79.4 billion in added output, ~5,150 net full‑time equivalent jobs and 4,400 new homes; presenters and the Brazos Valley GCD stressed mitigation costs (roughly $94–110 million) and local protections for existing wells.
The Bryan City Council heard a presentation from Westwater Research and the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District on a socioeconomic impact analysis tied to two alternative Desired Future Conditions for the Simsboro Aquifer.
Charlene Lorig, Texas regional director for Westwater Research, explained the study scope: GMA 12 asked districts to consider socioeconomic impacts as one of nine factors in setting DFCs. The consultants modeled two scenarios: PS4‑2 (the current GMA‑preferred trajectory) and PS4‑3 (a potential alternative Brazos Valley GCD asked GMA 12 to consider). She said PS4‑2 would draw down the aquifer’s artesian head about 284 feet on average by 2080, while…
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