Canton's Proposed Lake is an Affront: A Community Perspective with Updates

An image of the first page of the Grand Saline Creek Associaiton letter. Canton's Proposed Lake is an Affront

We were recently contacted by Mr. Lamar Cossey, who shared a detailed letter originally crafted when they fought Canton's Reservoir Project years ago as the Grand Saline Creek Association.

At that time, the association represented over 70 families, friends, and businesses within the six-mile area of the proposed 1,500 to 1,800-acre lake.

This letter was placed in the local paper in their effort to oppose the proposed lake on Grand Saline Creek, and provides valuable insights that can apply to our fight today.

Below we’ve integrated updated information alongside his original points, to create a current dialogue that honors this advocacy and supports our continued fight to stop Canton's Water Rights Permit currently under review at TCEQ.

Key Highlights from Mr. Cossey’s Letter with Updated Information:

Financial Impact: Mr. Cossey highlights that Canton taxpayers would be responsible for repaying a $45 million loan (projected to exceed $120 million at construction) with $800,000 in annual maintenance costs. Updated estimates based on 2008 and 2016-2017 reports indicate operation and maintenance could exceed $3 million per year, with today’s total project cost now estimated at least $150 million.
Existing Lake Conditions: He expresses concern about Hydrilla verticillata and Salvinia impacting Canton’s current lakes and the proposed shallow lake, referencing Lake Fork, Cedar Creek, and Caddo. Current assessments find no infestation in Canton’s city lakes, although these species remain a potential future risk.
Water Management Alternatives: Mr. Cossey notes at the time the Texas Region D Water Planning Board’s recommendation of wells at $250,000 each and water recycling. The latest NETRWPG (Region D) figures suggest $1,118,000 each. Drilling 18 wells could address 50-year needs for under $15 million, per the 2016 plan.
School District Effects: He mentions that Canton, Grand Saline, and Van school districts would lose tax revenue from 1,800 acres and a 4,000-acre setback. Updated data clarifies that only Canton ISD and Grand Saline ISD are affected; Van ISD is not impacted. Today, the reservoir’s normal pool is estimated at 1,663 acres, with approximately 5,600 acres total affected by mitigation.

Mr. Cossey’s letter also suggests exploring alternative water management strategies, such as those employed by the Dutch with their viaducts, canals, and channels, and leveraging resources like the Mineola Reservoir and the Great Lakes/Mississippi River system.

It raised valid considerations about eminent domain practices and sustainable solutions, contributing meaningfully to our ongoing conversation.

We extend our thanks to Mr. Cossey for sharing this letter and his past advocacy with the Grand Saline Creek Association and his continued support and efforts to engage the community.

The full letter is available below for those interested in reading more.