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State water discussions kick off at Beaver
BEAVER, Okla. - The future is now for Oklahomans who live in and near Beaver County, as they will be the first state residents to have an opportunity to share their opinions about what should be included in Oklahoma’s upcoming 50-year water plan.
The first of approximately 40 meetings across Oklahoma will begin at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 12, at the Beaver County Fairgrounds Pavilion, located at 1107 Douglas, which is the route for Highway 23.
“Oklahoma’s future depends in large part on the availability of clean water,” said Mike Langston, assistant director of the Water Research Institute. “Our government leaders need to know the concerns Oklahomans have about the state’s water resources.”
The Oklahoma Legislature mandates that the Oklahoma Water Resources Board develop and periodically update a comprehensive water plan. The OWRB, in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers and other organizations, is also conducting technical studies of projected water demands and water supply infrastructure needs.
The Water Research Institute, located at Oklahoma State University but serving all of Oklahoma, is assisting the board with the planning process. The institute focuses on two major thrusts: citizen input and research to investigate identified issues and concerns.
“As a state, we’re facing difficult decisions on a variety of water-related issues that will affect us, our kids and their kids,” Langston said. “We strongly encourage all citizens to attend at least one meeting in their area; this is their opportunity to set the agenda for the state’s water plan.”
Though the ultimate responsibility for writing the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan lies with the OWRB, Langston said the WRI promises that every issue raised, concern expressed, question asked and suggestion offered will be faithfully communicated to the OWRB.
More information on the planning process is available at http://okwaterplan.info on the Internet.
Anyone seeking additional information about the upcoming Local Input Meetings should contact Jeri Fleming by e-mail at waterplan@okstate.edu or by phone at 405-744-9994.
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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
Interim ACS Director/News and Media Relations Manager
Agricultural Communications Services
143 Printing Building
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating. Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.
