,

Conroe, Willis ISD Settle Water Rights for $1.4M

**Tri-Party Agreement Seals Water Rights Deal, Ends Lawsuits for Conroe, Willis ISDs**

**CONROE, TX –** A long-simmering water rights dispute between Conroe ISD and Willis ISD officially concluded in mid-December 2023, as both school districts approved a comprehensive settlement agreement that also involved the City of Conroe. The resolution effectively wraps up a series of lawsuits that originated in 2022, bringing a decade of peace to a contentious regional issue.

Willis ISD’s Board of Trustees gave its final approval to the agreement on December 13, followed by Conroe ISD’s Board on December 19, marking a significant step toward regional cooperation and planned growth.

The dispute stemmed from Willis ISD’s critical need for water to support its burgeoning development and future school sites, particularly in areas north of the City of Conroe. Complicating matters, Conroe ISD held surface water rights within some of these same territories that fall under Willis ISD’s geographical boundaries. This overlap of jurisdiction and resource ownership led Willis ISD to file suit against Conroe ISD, prompting a counter-suit from Conroe ISD. Further adding to the complexity, the City of Conroe also initiated its own lawsuit against Conroe ISD concerning related water infrastructure and rights.

The core of the multi-party settlement outlines a clear path forward for water provision in the rapidly growing region. Under the terms of the agreement:
* Conroe ISD will sell its undeveloped surface water rights located within Willis ISD’s territory directly to the City of Conroe.
* The agreed-upon price for these water rights is $1.4 million.
* Upon acquiring these rights, the City of Conroe will then sell the water to Willis ISD for its future schools and development projects, charging Willis ISD the standard rate applicable to other non-city users.

“This settlement represents a vital step forward for our community and ensures we can continue to meet the needs of our rapidly growing student population,” said a spokesperson for Willis ISD following the agreement. “Access to reliable water resources is fundamental for the development of new schools and facilities, and we are pleased to have found a cooperative solution.”

A representative from Conroe ISD added, “We are committed to being good stewards of our resources and good neighbors. This agreement not only protects Conroe ISD’s assets but also facilitates essential regional growth in a structured and sustainable manner. It’s a testament to what can be achieved through negotiation and mutual understanding.”

The City of Conroe, which played a pivotal role in mediating the complex issue, also expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “The City of Conroe is dedicated to ensuring stable and affordable water access for all our residents and neighboring entities,” stated a city official. “This collaborative agreement helps us achieve that goal while resolving long-standing legal challenges efficiently.”

A crucial component of the comprehensive agreement is the immediate dismissal of all active lawsuits: the original suit by Willis ISD against Conroe ISD, Conroe ISD’s counter-suit against Willis ISD, and the City of Conroe’s lawsuit against Conroe ISD. Furthermore, to cement long-term stability, neither school district is permitted to file new lawsuits against each other regarding water rights for the next 10 years, ensuring a decade of legal peace on this particular issue.

This resolution is expected to pave the way for accelerated development in the northern Montgomery County area, providing certainty for future planning for both school districts and the municipalities they serve.

Media

Senior Editor
Share this article:

Comments

No comments yet. Leave a reply to start a conversation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Space

By signing up, you agree to receive our newsletters and promotional content and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Categories

Recommended