Rep. Jackson Announces Water Infrastructure Wins For Wichita Falls, MSU

Last week, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) voted in favor of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA), which included two key wins for Wichita Falls and Midwestern State University (MSU).

Every two years, Congress considers the WRDA, which makes key investments in water infrastructure projects and provides the authority needed to address water supply and infrastructure needs across the country. This year’s WRDA contained a provision to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to engage with MSU and the City of Wichita Falls on a proposal to restore and maintain Sikes Lake. It will also determine the feasibility of moving the lake’s dredging under the control of the USACE, which is a priority for Wichita Falls and MSU. Additionally, this year’s WRDA authorized expedited completion of a Red River Chloride Control Project to purify water in the Wichita Falls area to ensure the city, Sheppard Air Force Base, and surrounding communities have safe drinking water for years to come.

Jackson said: “The people and industries of Wichita Falls provide extraordinary value on the local, state, and national levels. By prioritizing these projects, Congress has recognized that effective water infrastructure systems are critical in economically vibrant communities such as Wichita Falls. The people of Wichita Falls have my support as we pursue solutions to the challenges faced at Sikes Lake and with water quality in the greater Wichita Falls area.”

JuliAnn Mazachek, Ph.D., President of Midwestern State University said: We truly appreciate Congressman Jackson and his hard work to secure a feasibility study for Sikes Lake, in the recently passed Water Resource Development Act of 2022. This is an important first step for Midwestern State University as we work in collaboration with state, county, and city governments on innovative solutions to address the challenges of Sikes Lake so that our campus and the Wichita Falls community may continue to enjoy the area.”

Randy Whiteman, General Manager of the Red River Authority of Texas said: “The Red River Authority of Texas has been a partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Red River Chloride Control Program (RRCCP) since its inception. As the nonfederal sponsor for the program, we have seen firsthand the benefits in reduced nitrates in the Red River Basin and the area lakes. Those benefiting include communities and industries serviced by the City of Wichita Falls such as Shepard Air Force Base, Dundee Fish Hatchery–the largest in Texas, and Wichita County Water Improvement District #2 which provides irrigation to Wichita County farms and cooling water for the Oklaunion Power Plant. The RRCCP for years has operated with only one active dam and pump station. Additional funding to complete the project will allow the treatment of at least two additional tributaries and reduce the chloride level two to threefold from its current level, thus providing additional benefits for the entire basin and those downstream.”

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