Lake Whitney has been my home, and is a significant part of the Whitney, Clifton, and Laguna Park communities. We thrive here, alongside the marinas, the restaurants, and the countless recreational activities that the lake allows. However, the Tentatively Selected Plan #6 (TSP #6) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) threatens to change all of this by reallocating Lake Whitney's water storage for the Brazos River Authority (BRA).

This plan proposes to increase BRA's current storage from 57,292 Acre Feet to over 242,000 Acre Feet by lowering the water storage depth from 520 feet to 512 feet. This change may result in our lake levels dropping as much as 21 feet. The impacts of this would be devastating for our communities. Even at a level of 520 feet, recreational activities such as boating and marina operations would be hindered, potentially leading to closures and revenue loss for local businesses.

We stand to suffer a significant economic impact from this decision. Reduced lake levels would deplete our tax bases in sales and property taxes due to reduced tourism. With 1.5 million visitors at risk of disappearing, our small towns would feel the financial pinch. Another huge issue is critical operations turbines at Whitney Dam could be compromised due to reduced water levels, potentially leading to insufficient backup generation during blackout periods.

Environmental concerns also arise with this plan, which would disrupt nesting sites for the American Bald Eagle, a majestic presence on Lake Whitney. This reallocation isn't just a concern for those living around the lake, but for anyone who values environmental stewardship and the unique ecosystems that thrive here.

This project, for which BRA has agreed to pay $100 million to USACE, could result in unintended consequences that vastly outweigh its intended benefits. Our communities cannot afford to bear the direct and indirect costs of this approved plan. Therefore, we urge decision-makers to reconsider and explore alternative solutions that balance the needs of water management with the ecological and economic vitality of Lake Whitney and its surrounding communities.

Your support is crucial in helping protect Lake Whitney and preserve the traditions, livelihoods, and ecosystems it supports. The USACE has 3 more alternatives that raise lake levels and 3 more that just reallocate the storage  We invite everyone who loves Lake Whitney and values its contributions to our lives and environment to join us. Please sign this petition to stop the reallocation of Lake Whitney's water storage.