Mediation on the Marvin Nichols Conflict Leads to  Study of Reservoir’s Impacts & Time Delay

NORTHEAST TEXAS (August 13, 2025) – In response to the news that regional water planning groups in North Texas (Region C) and Northeast Texas (Region D) had reached a mediated agreement in the conflict over the contentious Marvin Nichols Reservoir, Preserve Northeast Texas issued the following statement:

 

“While we are relieved that the timeline has once again been pushed back, mitigating the immediate threat of the reservoir, we remain deeply concerned that this destructive project continues to be considered as an option for Region C.

 

The mediated agreement importantly calls for a comprehensive study of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the proposed reservoir. The study should be conducted with the utmost rigor and impartiality, ensuring that all potential consequences are evaluated. While the short timeframe for producing such a study is concerning, we remain hopeful it will be a thorough and impartial review. We are confident the damaging impacts of this reservoir deem this project impractical, unfeasible and unnecessary.

 

Northeast Texas families have lived for decades under the constant threat of having their land and way of life destroyed. We will continue to monitor this process closely to help ensure that the voices of those directly impacted are heard and respected.”

 

The mediated agreement, ratified by Region D today and awaiting ratification by Region C, calls for the following actions, among others:

 

• Moving the completion of the proposed Marvin Nichols project from 2050 to 2070.
• No application for permitting Marvin Nichols would occur before 2030.
• Exploration of Toledo Bend as an alternate source for Region C.
• An independent study of the potential benefits and impacts of Marvin Nichols to be completed by July 2027.

 

The details of the full mediation agreement can be found on Region D’s website in their meeting agenda from August 13, 2025, under Agenda Item #5.

 

ABOUT PRESERVE NORTHEAST TEXAS: Preserve Northeast Texas is a fight for all Texans who want to preserve private property rights and conserve our state’s most precious natural resource – water. The proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir would rob Northeast Texas of land, valuable jobs, and precious water, devastating the region’s economic vitality, heritage farmlands, and natural resources. To learn more, visit: www.PreserveNortheastTexas.org. Connect on Facebook and Instagram at @PreserveNortheastTexas.