Cole Supports House WRDA Bill

Bill Includes Vital Lake Texoma Legislation
Cole Attempts to Eliminate Waurika Lake Master Conserancy District Debt Obligation

WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) last night voted in favor of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA). Included in the bill was legislation introduced by Cole and Congresswoman Mary Fallin earlier in the year that would transfer 227 acres of shoreline on Lake Texoma from the federal government to the state of Oklahoma.

"I am happy to see legislation pass that will benefit so many Oklahomans," Congressman Cole said. "Now that Oklahoma has ownership of the land, we can begin developing a first-class resort and tourist destination that will bring in private investment and create new jobs in Southern Oklahoma. Both Congresswoman Fallin and I have worked very hard to help bring about this first step towards significant economic development in the Lake Texoma area."

The property transfer included in the bill will eliminate one of the final obstacles to a long anticipated private development including residential neighborhoods, a resort hotel and a golf course.

Cole also offered an amendment to the WRDA bill that would eliminate the obligation of the Waurika Lake Master Conservancy District (WLMCD) in Oklahoma from paying its outstanding debt to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

"This amendment would be a tremendous benefit to the citizens of Oklahoma by allowing the conservancy district to invest vital funds back into the communities," Congressman Cole said. "Several rural Oklahoma communities desperately need this amendment in order to sustain their water infrastructure and secure their long-term supply of water."

According to the WLMCD, the USACE continues to bill the conservancy district for additional construction and administrative costs regarding the construction of the Waurika Lake Damn and the water distribution center after the final cost and repayment schedules had been set.

Elimination of debt obligation would provide fundamental means that would be reinvested into six rural towns including, Comanche, Duncan, Lawton-Ft. Sill, Temple, Walters, Waurika and their surrounding communities.

Unfortunately the amendment was not accepted by the new majority on House Rules Committee and was not allowed to be considered on the House floor.

The WRDA bill passed the House by a vote of 394 to 25.

A copy of Cole's testimony before the House Rules Committee is attached.

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