Texarkana · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Texarkana public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed sale of Millwood Lake water rights to Texas via Heartland Water Partners
Resident Sandy Burton urged the Board not to sell water to a Texas buyer, warning that coming data centers and future droughts will strain local aquifers. The Board did not act on the comment.
Water Supply Agreement
Texarkana, Arkansas, is set to vote on an emergency ordinance that would let the city start negotiating with a Dallas pipeline company to pull water from Millwood Lake. It’s not a done deal, but it could shape where the city gets its water for years—and what residents pay for it.
Millwood Lake water sale to Texas
Texarkana holds about 150 million gallons per day in Millwood Lake water rights but only uses about 7 million. The city manager wants permission to apply to sell up to 110 million gallons a day to Texas buyers — potentially $16-20 million a year with no upfront city cost. Nothing is being sold yet; a special meeting around October 13 would only authorize the application.
Proposed AI data center moratorium
Citizens urged the board to consider a moratorium or ban on the proposed 3,000-acre Benitus data center, citing Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer depletion, environmental harm in other cities, doubled utility bills, and a lack of NDAs transparency. The board took no action but encouraged the speakers to submit their materials.
Water Utility Policy
Texarkana Water Utilities' updated plan sets per-capita water use goals (164 gallons/person/day by 2030) and spells out drought triggers and response steps to protect water supply during shortages.
Water Utilities Leadership
Texarkana Today is spotlighting the city’s Water Utilities Director, the person in charge of local water service and rates. There aren’t many specifics in the source, but it’s a reminder that this role affects what comes out of your tap and what you pay for it.