It all boils down to money. According to Michael Burke, administrator for the Sulphur River Basin Authority, progress has come to a halt for the Corps of Engineers Logjam Study as a $4 million obstacle stands in the way.
During Tuesday's SRBA board meeting [April 15] at the Mount Pleasant/Titus County Civic Center, Burke reported that construction and other work related to the logjam will not be done unless the funds for the environmental stydy can be obtained. "I have talked to David Nabors and the Corps of Engineers and we are right back to where we started," Burke said. "I have been told that the environmental study has to be done before any work can be done."
Dick Goodman, SRBA board member, commented that if the logjam situation isn't resolved, then roads could be damaged. As the SRBA looks for solutions for the logjam, help could be on the way through U.S. Rep. Max Sandlin (D-Marshall). Leonard Rockwell, who is part of Sandlin's staff, said he would try to get Sandlin to have a meeting concerning the logjam situation.
"The Congressman said he would do whatever he could do to help," Rockwell said.
Burke also gave an update on the Clean Rivers Program and said the SRBA is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ), which was formerly the TNRCC (Texas Natural Resource Consevation Commision), to plan sites to monitor. Burke said at least 11 sites are scheduled to be monitored for the next year.
According to the SRBA, the systematic monitoring program collects water quality data from stations located primarily on unclassified streams, and is used to determine if there are localized water quality issues not identified by the fixed stations. Systematic station locations change on a yearly basis within a five-year cycle in order to sample the subwatersheds of all segments within the basin.
The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting and the report expenditures and cash position. Burke said that as of April 8, the SRBA had a balance of $796,701.80.
Before adjournment, George Frost asked to be heard by the board. SRBA President Mike Huddleston allowed the comment but added that the board could not reply.
[COMMENT: And why in the hell can't this board, or silent Region D, reply? Do they think that they are "dictators" or something, and that the comments of us "publicans" aren't worth a reply? This whole cabal of scoundrels should be sent to the depths of Hell. Really! Nobody "elected" these arrogant bastards and bitches in the first place. Cough, Cough. R.]
Front said he was not happy with SRBA procedures and was planning legal action. "This board has violated the Texas Open Meetings Act," Frost said. "I am in the process of seeking legal advice on this matter."
Frost said that the SRBA held a private meeting, which it allowed only the press to attend, and this is in clear violation of the Open Meetings Act. "I feel like this just isn't right," Frost said. "It said on the website that 'You are invited', but it never said only the press." Frost added that he has found many examples to prove that the SRBA was wrong in holding a non-public meeting.
[COMMENT: Amen, Mr. Frost! Sue the hell out of them! I'll be glad to testify in court about their lies regarding all the so-called "shouting matches"! R.]