April 30, 2010
Dear Editor,
On behalf of Oklahomans for Responsible Water Policy (ORWP), we are writing to respond to the April 25th editorial “Problem solving hindered by provincial attitudes.” We believe the editorial does not fairly or accurately portray the views of Southeastern Oklahoma, or Oklahoma generally.
We urge the Daily Oklahoman – and all Oklahomans – to review all the relevant facts and take a balanced view. The Oklahoma Treasurer and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board transferring 90% of the usable “storage rights” in Sardis Lake to Oklahoma City without appropriate study and planning is shortsighted.
ORWP is dedicated to assuring valid scientific studies are concluded and intelligent, prudent water management decisions are based on the facts. Should studies– which are required by state and federal law—demonstrate there will be surplus water over the long term, we are willing to support a responsible water management plan that protects the interests of southeast Oklahoma and benefits the entire state. Until those analyses are completed, selling storage rights is premature and unjustified.
Before Billions of taxpayer and rate-payer dollars are spent in closed-door deals and before one of Oklahoma’s most treasured natural resources – Sardis Lake – is sold off, all Oklahomans ought to all have the chance to see the details, comment on them, and be assured that the project is sound financially, socially and environmentally for all Oklahomans.
Sincerely,
Amy Ford
Executive Director
Oklahomans for Responsible Water Policy
Amy Ford
204 West Main
Durant, OK 74701