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
- Letters to the Editor
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- LETTER: School counselor says Roy ready to help all students
- LETTER: Supporter calls Duncan 'a firecracker'
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LETTER: Supporter: Duncan shows passion for children’s needs
To the Editor:
The families in the Edmond Public School District are fortunate to have Kathleen Duncan as their advocate on the Edmond Board of Education. Duncan has worked tirelessly for the welfare and benefit of the Edmond schools’ students. -
LETTER: Teacher supports Duncan’s re-election
To the Editor:
On Feb. 14 patrons of District 2 have an opportunity to re-elect the current president of the Edmond School Board, Kathleen Duncan. Duncan has served as a board member for 10 years. When people move to the Oklahoma City area, they buy a home here because of the exceptional quality of Edmond Public Schools. This speaks to Duncan’s goal of “Excellence in Education for All Edmond Public School Students.” -
LETTER: Supporter: Duncan understands diverse issues
To the Editor:
Kathleen Duncan understands the diverse issues that effect our schools. She carefully studies the district’s issues and works tirelessly as an advocate for all students. Her votes as a board member have an impact for years to come and she takes that responsibility very seriously. - LETTER: Reader says incumbent's personal agenda in the way
- LETTER: Supporter says Duncan works 'with all her might'
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LETTER: Supporter calls Duncan caring, interactive
To the Editor:
In my 43-year career as a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma I wrote many a letter of recommendation for deserving students for jobs, graduate and professional schools and scholarships. Those letters are read by busy people who have important decisions to contemplate and my belief is they ought to be brief and on point. This is such a letter. -
LETTER: Supporter applauds Duncan’s persistent dedication
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter to support and endorse the re-election of Kathleen Duncan to the Edmond Board of Education next Tuesday. I’ve been an Edmond resident for the past 20 years, and because I don’t live in District 2, I cannot cast my vote for Duncan, but I do pay a considerable amount in taxes to the Edmond Public School District. -
LETTER: Duncan lends watchful eye to school district
To the Editor:
Kathleen Duncan serves tirelessly in her capacity as an Edmond Board of Education member. A former teacher, school counselor and Oklahoma County Assistant District Attorney, she has the time to go into our schools and hear the needs of teachers, students and staff. When she hears of needs, she has the time and experience to share those issues with the appropriate administrators for investigation and resolution. - More Letters to the Editor Headlines
