With only 3 days left on the state’s lease, the agency unanimously voted to condemn almost 5,000 acres in Freestone County in an effort to keep the park open to the public after developers purchased the property to build a gated community.
State Park Police Officer Kyle Ware makes the rounds at Fairfield Lake State Park in Fairfield in February., The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
“I think we have a clear duty to act for the greater good for all Texans. While we have the power of eminent domain, that power should be used sparingly and reluctantly. In fact it’s been nearly four decades since we’ve last used it,” said Jeffery Hildebrand, a Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioner, just before the commission voted to condemn the property.say Texas can seize the private land, even if the developer doesn’t want to sell.
The state had leased the park at no charge from Vistra Corp. since the 1970’s. When the energy company closed a coal power plant on the property they looked to sell the land. The state hoped to just buy the 1,820-acres of Fairfield Lake State Park, but Vistra didn’t want to sell piecemeal. According to the energy company, the state did not offer to buy the entire property.
“We do regret that this matter has come to this point and there was not the ability to resolve this issue before these steps were necessary,” said Kevin Good, the president of Texans for State Parks. “The agency should be proactive about trying to avoid these situations in the future.” The letter said the company has begun executing its development plan and investing millions of dollars in related contracts.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tarrant County adopts homestead exemption for county, hospital district taxesThe Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a 10% homestead exemption for the county and JPS hospital district this week.
Read more »
Kerr County man arrested for dumping dead donkey on county roadA Kerr County man was arrested Friday in connection with dumping the body of a dead donkey on the side of a county road.
Read more »
Harris County lawyers demand pause to state juvenile detention after report raised facility concernsHarris County lawyers demand pause to state juvenile detention after report showed facility concerns
Read more »
New push to make El Dorado County its own state, breaking away from CaliforniaThere's a new effort by rural Californians to break away from the state. The movement calls for El Dorado County to become its own state, independent from California.
Read more »
Daphne man spreads joy by delivering flowers to nursing homes across Baldwin CountyEvery Thursday, volunteers help pick, arrange, and deliver the flowers.
Read more »