Proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir Hits Minor Obstacle
June 29, 2025 – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has officially declared an interregional water conflict between Region C (the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area) and Region D (East Texas) regarding the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir.
The proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir is a planned water supply reservoir in the Sulphur River Basin in Titus, Red River, and Franklin counties about 100 miles northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Background & Decision
- In April 2025, Region D formally notified the TWDB that including Marvin Nichols in Region C’s 2026 initial plan could inflict substantial adverse economic, agricultural, and natural-resource impacts on Region D.
- Region C countered in May, asserting the reservoir would not only avoid significant harm to Region D, but could yield local economic gains—estimating $5 billion during construction, $120 million in annual revenue, and $325 million in annual tourism and public usage, while impacting only a small percentage of timber and farmland.
- The TWDB opened a public comment portal (May 8–June 9, 2025) and received over 370 responses—most opposed the reservoir echoing Region D’s concerns.
Marvin Nichols served on statewide water planning commissions and boards at the request of five governors. He was the first chair of the Texas Water Development Board in 1957, a position he held for six years.
Board Action & Mediation
- On June 27, 2025, after hearing testimony from TWDB Executive Administrator Brian McMath—as well as leaders from both regions—the board ruled unanimously that an interregional conflict does exist.
- McMath recommended facilitated mediation with up to four designated representatives from each region, to be selected by July 14, 2025, with mediation to conclude by July 31, 2025.
Next Steps
- If mediation succeeds, both regions will collaboratively resolve the dispute.
- If not, the TWDB will render a binding decision based on public input and organizational recommendations; this will be final and non‑appealable.
The TWDB’s declaration marks the third formal interregional conflict under Texas’ five‑year water‑planning framework—all involving Regions C and D. The mediation process now underway is pivotal in determining whether the Marvin Nichols project can move forward, be redesigned, or ultimately shelved. The board’s decision’s timing—mediation by end of July, final resolution thereafter—will significantly influence the future of water supply strategy for North Texas.
