Natural resource protection motion tabled

SMITH COUNTY — As East Texas counties continue searching for solutions to protect their property and water rights, Van Zandt County is proposing a partnership with Smith County to better protect the region’s natural resources. According to our news partner KETK, Van Zandt County proposed a 391 commission, which would create a council including commissioners and residents from both counties. It would allow neighboring counties to work together to protect the region’s groundwater and property rights. The commission would oversee potential projects in the area and discuss developmental issues that affect both counties.

Following Tuesday’ s meeting, attended by several key lawmakers and public officials, Smith County Commissioners voted to table the decision until they obtained further information on the proposal. During a Smith County Commissioners Court meeting earlier this month, Van Zandt County resident David Dunigan said if Smith County entered the partnership, it would ensure better protection of the region’s natural resources.

“Your voice is going to tell people we can’t be predatory against East Texas counties anymore,” Dunigan said. “I really urge you guys to amplify your voice for the citizens of this county, and for the surrounding East Texas counties to be able to at least say yes, we want something, or no, we don’t.”

Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese said that while a partnership is not a guarantee that resources will be protected, it does give the counties an opportunity to push back against the agencies looking to take control of the region’s resources, including water.

Although several residents and local officials spoke in favor of the county entering into the partnership, in a 4-to-1 vote, the court decided to table its decision until it receives further information about what the commission entails.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Christina Drewry was the lone vote to pass the proposition, stating that the partnership is an effort to defend these resources through active participation and strong local leadership.

Precinct 3 Commissioner J Scott Herod, who voted to table the decision, requested more information about the county’s entry and what the exact role the commissioners will have on the board.

“I would like to do a little more research and feel more comfortable about both sides of the equation before joining,” Herod said. “Due to two of us being required to join, we have several questions before we move forward because the two people who join need to be fully aware of the ramifications and the impact of their decision and vote.”

The proposition will be reevaluated by the commissioners’ court during the next meeting scheduled for May 19.