Toledo Bend
Bi-State
Alliance

The Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance met at 6:00 PM on February 23, 1998 at the J. R. Huffman Public Library in Hemphill, Texas. Seven member organizations were represented. The constitution & by-laws were ratified and officers elected. Chairman is Larry Kelly of the South Toledo Bend Civic Assoc., LA; Vice Chairman is Janna Lehman of the Concerned Citizens of Toledo Bend, Hemphill, TX; Secretary is Buck Menesco of the Toledo Bend Lake Marina Assoc., LA; Treasurer is Ken Freeman of the Sabine Parish Alliance of Mayors, LA and the Advisor to the Board is Bill Lewis of the South Toledo Bend Civic Assoc., LA.

Organizations represented were the Concerned Citizens of Toledo Bend, Hemphill, TX.; South Toledo Bend Civic Assoc., Many, LA.; Toledo Bend Lake Marina Assoc., Many, LA.; Hemphill Bass Masters, Hemphill, TX.; Toledo Bend Lake Assoc., Many, LA.; South Toledo Bend Property Owners Assoc., Newton, TX. and Sabine Parish Alliance of Mayors, Many, LA.

The Alliance approved a resolution to support the on going effort to have 168’ MSL established as the minimum lake level for Toledo Bend. In accordance with the requested change, when the water level is reduced to 168’ MSL, power generation will stop. There are three exceptions to the. 1). To meet the requirements for down river flow. 2). To generate emergency power to prevent a brown out. 3). When required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to inspect the dam.

The Alliance membership stressed that the lake level is just one of the areas which the organization will pursue. Other issues will be proposed by the Alliance members. The purpose of the organization is to enhance tourism, economic development, operation, maintenance and safety of Toledo Bend as a recreation resource of Louisiana and Texas; to assist local and state governments, including the Sabine River Authorities of Louisiana and Texas in areas which may effect the development of Toledo Bend as a recreational resource.

The next scheduled meeting of the Toledo Bend Alliance is Monday, March 23, 1998, 6:00 PM at the J. R. Huffman Public Library in Hemphill, Texas.

All non-governmental organizations interested in joining the Alliance are invited to attend. For more information call Larry Kelly at (318) 286-9946 or Janna Lehman at (409) 625-3394.

This news release is authorized by:

Larry E. Kelly

Chairman