So What Took ‘Em So Long?
Legislators set goal of finding “consensus” for an area groundwater policy. “As legislators representing Western Hays County, we have witnessed stark divisions within the District’s constituency about what amount of regulation is needed to protect our quality of life in the Hill Country. But we believe that these divisions are surmountable, and are committed to working with the District and the stakeholder group to build consensus.” Our legislative representatives met with the District’s leadership during the summer and those meetings resulted in two initiatives. The District’s leadership will meet with Chambers of Commerce, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and other civic and business groups. Andrew Sansom, Executive Director of the River Systems Institute at TSU will be the guide for discussions among identified community stakeholders with a view to establishing a consensus position on legislation that will support the District’s and the community’s long-term groundwater needs before the legislature meets in 2011.
“We are pleased with the commitment from our State Legislators to invest their time and leadership to help guide the District to a policy that is supported by a cross section of our constituency,” said Doug Wierman, President of the Hays Trinity Groundwater District’s board. “Coupled with the District’s community outreach, we have a clear path toward putting policies in place that support our long-term plans.
“Few issues are as personal as water. The stakes for our area are high and I am excited to have the opportunity to work on how to build consensus on how best to support the District’s mission and shape legislative proposals,” added Andrew Sansom.
The stakeholder group is said to include local mayors, Chambers of Commerce, conservation groups, Real Estate organizations, water companies, property owners associations, and elected Hays County officials. When contacted, some listed as part of the stakeholder group indicated that they had not been consulted about participation.