CLCND evaluates future mission

ANAHUAC— From tourism to water treatment, Chambers Liberty Counties Navigation District met last week to brainstorm ideas for the future.

CLCND held a workshop on Tuesday, July 15, discussing potential projects for the district.

“The whole idea of having this workshop is to discuss any ideas that you may have for the future and just to get a direction as to where we’re going as a navigation district,” said General Manager Claudia Sandoval.

Sandoval began the discussion by referencing her trip to Austin where she testified in front of the transportation committee in opposition of Senate Bill 1745, which was passed into law.

“I was pretty much told that we haven’t done anything in 80 years,” Sandoval said.

Overall, the district hopes to continue to support farmers in providing irrigation, but the board is searching for ways to grow and further its services.

Sandoval and Chairman David Barber noted the area is growing but they hope it maintains a rural feel.

Barber said farmland will inevitably turn into subdivisions at some point, saying, “It’s been scaring me for a long time.”

At the end of discussions, the board decided to find a consultant to help them evaluate the district’s current abilities and to search for potential opportunities.

Barber said the district is now in a position to look to the future rather than fixing issues as they arise.

During workshop discussions, Sandoval suggested a cruise terminal on the east side of Trinity Bay where the district owns submerged lands.

In a presentation packet, Sandoval noted that the terminal acts as a gateway for local attractions, and it causes a ripple effect on other industries.

Sandoval said the terminal could be advertised as a destination for environmental tours rather than an over-developed tourist hub.

CLCND Commissioner Brady Hanson said a cruise terminal would bring in money, adding, “it’s going to dredge itself,” but noted ecotourism itself won’t bring in revenue.

There was also some discussion on having a shipping port for offloading, and Sandoval briefly mentioned a marina at Fort Anahuac Park.

Commissioner James Turner suggested adding a water treatment plant for commercial and residential use, which spurred the most discussion.

Hanson noted the district isn’t using all their current water rights, saying, “That keeps somebody else from taking them away from us.”

The board also discussed ownership of the Dayton canal system, and Hanson noted someone expressed interest in the district providing water to their new facility at an industrial park.

During the regular meeting, the board set a Board of Equalization hearing for next month where they will assess property values, and in September the tax rate will be set.