To the Editor:
After reading the article, “City Looks at Water Options,” it is clear Oklahoma must address the lack of water infrastructure if we stand any chance to make sure Edmond can meet its water needs for the balance of this century. Oklahoma has plenty of water — more than 10 times the amount we use, with the rest just flowing downstream into Arkansas and Texas. The big question posed in the story was how Oklahoma will pay for much needed infrastructure to move water from one area of the state to another area. One expert pegged the costs for a new pump station and pipeline at between $1 billion and $2 billion. We don’t have that type of money in Oklahoma even when our energy industry is hitting on all cylinders. Bonding costs to generate that type of money will strain existing customers.
There is an answer. Monetize our “excess” water like we do our natural gas. Sell it and use the money for water projects likes lakes, pipes, pumps, treatment plants and whatever else our state needs for economic advancement.
Texas wants to buy our excess water. They’d pay millions every year for it from now on. If we had started selling Texas water several years ago we might have several hundred millions in the bank for our state today.
Everyone knows we have a hard time in Oklahoma just funding essentials like education and health care, much less the economic infrastructure beyond roads and bridges. We should make sure Oklahoma’s water needs are taken care of first and then let Texas pay, and use Texas money to make Oklahoma better and stronger.
The water is going to Texas anyway, why not put a meter on it and charge them for it?
Hopper T. Smith
Edmond
HOPPER T. SMITH is president of Strategic Resource Consulting, which represents Tarrant Regional Water District.
Letters to the Editor
Let Texas pay: Oklahoma’s water provides opportunity
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Good news for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Earlier in the year, several newspapers, including The Edmond Sun, graciously wrote about the manpower crisis of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
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Official: Aerospace incentives benefit Edmond
In recent months, some at the state Capitol and out on the campaign trial have questioned the economic stimulus seen in Oklahoma as a result of state tax incentives meant to attract new high-paying jobs to Oklahoma in the aerospace industry.
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Politicians need to be more factual
Like many fellow citizens of Edmond, I have observed the strenuous campaign for District 41 state Senate seat between Paul Blair and Clark Jolley. During my 24 years in Edmond, I can’t recall the level of effort and money spent for a state Senate seat.
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Who’s responsible, the Old or the New?
Oklahoma is saddled with many fiscal challenges this year. One such challenge is the needed repairs to the Capitol building.
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Dog’s tale has happy ending with Edmond business
To the Editor:
Have you experienced or seen a loved one or pet have a seizure? It’s one of the most horrifying experiences. -
READER: Late professor also contributed to university mace
To the Editor:
Recently, The Edmond Sun published an article about Hall Duncan’s design of the UCO academic mace (“UCO inauguration preparations reunite academic mace, designer,” The Edmond Sun, March 31, 2012). -
LETTER: The Medicine Men came to Edmond
To the Editor:
A level playing field in Edmond may never be the same after the workshop at the City Council Chambers April 10 at high noon. The medicine men sold the audience on how wonderful the new complex will be at the corner of Interstate 35 and Covell. -
LETTER: Webb reiterates need for ME’s office to move to Edmond
To the Editor:
I was surprised and disappointed to read in The Edmond Sun that Paul Blair, a candidate for Senate District 41, was opposed to the legislative resolution to fund the move of Oklahoma’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to Edmond. -
LETTER: Thank you goes out to Sen. Treat
To the Editor:
As an advocate for the American Heart Association I want to recognize a small step taken by the Legislature that could lead to huge gains within our community. -
LETTER: Visitor wants to thank Good Samaritan
To the Editor:
While here in Edmond visiting my son I went to the Walmart on Second Street for some groceries. When I got back to my sons house I realized that my wallet was missing. We searched everywhere, but to no avail. - More Letters to the Editor Headlines
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Good news for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol
