From Staff Reports
AUSTIN – The Texas Transportation Committee agreed to sell a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 4 to the Palo Pinto County Municipal Water District No. 1 to build an alternative route around the planned Turkey Peak Reservoir at a meeting in Austin, May 21.
Under the agreement terms, the district will pay $1.14 million for a 25-acre tract of the road that will be submerged by the new lake when it’s complete.
The affected portion of FM 4, northwest of Santo, will be rerouted along an improved Ward Mountain Road. This sale enables the water district to proceed with bidding, contractor evaluations and project issuance, according to project officials.
“This transaction is the result of a coordinated, multi-agency effort involving TxDOT, the Palo Pinto County Commissioners Court, the City of Mineral Wells and key state leadership,” PPCMWD No. 1 General Manager Howard Huffman said. “We thank State Sen. Phil King, TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams, District Engineer David Salazar and our local officials for their support.”
The sale process began with a survey and appraisal, followed by a formal resolution requesting conveyance. These steps, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding and minute order, culminated in TxDOT’s approval.
Progress was aided by the PPC Commissioners Court’s May 1 approval of an interlocal agreement to assume long-term maintenance of Ward Mountain Road. Once finalized, the state will issue a deed to the water district, completing the ownership transfer.
“This decision by TxDOT is a major step forward in the Turkey Peak Reservoir project, bringing us closer to securing long-term water resources for our city and wholesale customers in the region,” said Mineral Wells Mayor Regan Wallace Johnson. “We are especially grateful to Sen. Phil King for his steadfast support and leadership throughout this process. His commitment as our representative and direct engagement with TxDOT and state leadership were instrumental in helping us reach this critical landmark.”
For more information on the Turkey Peak Reservoir, visit www.turkeypeakreservoir.com.
