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Montgomery County Delegation Changes Lone Star GDC

By Hello Woodlands | May 9, 2017

Last week, the Montgomery County delegation passed legislation addressing the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District (LSGCD) board of directors.

House Bill 1982, authored by Representative Will Metcalf (R-Conroe), Representative Mark Keough (R-The Woodlands) and Representative Cecil Bell (R-Magnolia), was amended to reflect the language of Senate Bill 2250, authored by Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) and Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville).

The legislation changes the composition of LSGCD from appointed to elected board of directors. In addition, the board would alter from nine to seven members. The bill would also introduce term limits where a member could not serve for more than three 4-year terms.

“Montgomery County’s needs are well represented in the Legislature and I was pleased to work together with the delegation to give the people a voice on how we manage our groundwater,” said Senator Creighton.

“This legislation will provide direct representation by the people on an issue which is of such great public importance,” said Senator Nichols. “I look forward to continuing to work with the delegation for the constituents of Montgomery County.”

“This has been a long time coming,” said Representative Metcalf. “Our citizens will finally have a voice in selecting the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Board. The entire county will have a seat at the table, and the 2 seats added by our Senate colleagues will reflect the needs of the county’s largest groundwater users. Friday, May 6 was a great day for all of Montgomery County!”

“Months of discussions with constituents and stakeholders have resulted in the HB 1982 being presented in the Legislature and ultimately passed,” said Representative Keough. “I am proud to be working with the entire Montgomery County delegation to bring change to this important board, ultimately placing the tax payers in charge of the future of this board.”

“HB 1982 and its Senate companion bill SB 2250 allow for the LSGCD board to be elected instead of appointed, empowering the citizens of Montgomery County,” said Representative Bell. House Bill 1982 will now be sent to the Governor for consideration.