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Future Opening and Operation of Public Recreational Areas and Associated Facilities on Bois d’Arc Lake; Resolution No. 24-11
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SUBJECT
recommendation
Adopt a resolution authorizing the future opening and operation of public recreational areas and associated facilities on Bois d’Arc Lake to the public and authorize the Executive Director or their designee to take certain actions associated with the initial and subsequent openings and closures of the lake.
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PURPOSE
As part of its commitment to and partnership with Fannin County for the development of Bois d’Arc Lake, NTMWD has agreed to construct, operate and maintain the three public recreational areas and associated facilities to provide recreational and economic benefits to the public and to Fannin County.
RECOMMENDATION
The Executive Director, NTMWD staff recommend the Board of Directors adopt Resolution No. 24-11, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of North Texas Municipal Water District Authorizing the Future Opening and Operation of Public Recreational Areas and Associated Facilities on Bois d’Arc Lake.”
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Consultant: |
None |
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Scope: |
Authorize Future Opening and Operation of Public Recreational Areas and Associated Facilities on Bois d’Arc Lake |
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Project: |
N/A |
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Amount: |
$0 |
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Strategic Objective: |
3.3 Durable Strategic Partnerships |
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Committee: |
This will be an item on the March 27, 2024, Real Estate Committee meeting agenda |
DRIVER(S) FOR THIS PROJECT
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☐ Regulatory Compliance |
☐ Asset Condition |
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☐ Capacity |
☐ Redundancy/Resiliency |
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☐ Relocation or External Requests |
☐ Operational Efficiency |
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☐ Safety |
☒ Administrative |
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☐ Policy |
☐ Other _____________ |
BACKGROUND
• In order to meet the needs of its Member Cities and Customers and for additional water supplies, the District has pursued the permitting and development of Bois d’Arc Lake (the Lake).
• As part of the planning and development of Bois d’Arc Lake and in partnership with Fannin County stakeholders, NTMWD made a number of commitments to support recreational opportunities and economic benefits associated with the Lake.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued the District a Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit to construct the Lake, located near the City of Bonham in Fannin County, Texas, and the District began construction in May 2018
• The District began deliberate impoundment of water in April of 2021 and substantial completion of the Bois d’Arc Lake dam occurred in August 2022.
• The District has approved the Bois d’Arc Lake Shoreline Management Plan to protect, manage, and maintain the Lake shoreline as well as water quality and promote the safe use of the shoreline and waters by the general public.
• The District has memorialized its partnership with Fannin County through the Agreement Between North Texas Municipal Water District and Fannin County, Texas Concerning Water Supply and Development of the Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir Project, entered into on June 22, 2017 (the “Development Agreement”).
• Through the Development Agreement, NTMWD has committed to provide public recreational opportunities, as well as economic benefits, by constructing three public recreational areas and associated facilities on the Lake.
• The District through its partnership with Fannin County and other local entities is providing multiple economic benefits through the construction of the lake including; increase in the local job market, increase of tax revenues for the county and local school districts, and to improve local infrastructure.
• The District has partnered with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to provide public safety resources, enforcement of state wildlife regulations, and the maintenance of current wildlife conservation programs.
• The District has constructed three public recreational areas and associated facilities: one on the northeast side of the lake at the end of Old 1396 North one on the southeast of the lake also at the end of Old 1396 South and one on the southeast of the lake adjacent to the FM 897 bridge. The day use amenities include: parking area, pavilion area, public restrooms, garbage dumpsters, boat ramps and courtesy docks.
• The North Boat Ramp located at 1510 Old 1396 N has a minimum operational range of 532 feet MSL and maximum operational range of 538 feet MSL; the South Boat Ramp located at 1191 Old 1396 S and the FM 897 Boat Ramp located at 740 County Road 2945 both have a minimum operational range of 525 feet MSL and maximum operational range of 538 feet MSL.
• The Bois d’Arc Lake Operations Plan provides detailed instructions related to operations of the Lake, including but not limited to information on operating and public access to the public boat ramps, to provide guidelines to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the public
• Resolution No. 24-11 is intended to authorize the Executive Director or their designee to:
§ Initially open the boat ramps once the lake is safely accessible as determined by NTMWD, FCSO and TPWD.
§ Operate and maintain the boat ramps after initial opening, including total or partial closing of day-use areas or the ramps as conditions warrant.
§ Update and modify the NTMWD Bois d’Arc Lake Operations Plan as needed.
FUNDING
No funding is requested.