As has been reported in the Johnson City Record-Courier, the Johnson City Independent School District Board has been approached by an organization calling itself Motorsports Resorts International seeking a "tax holiday" for the proposed development of a resort featuring two race tracks. JCISD board member Kip Thompson has indicated the board has voted to enter into a "Letter of Intent" to grant this
tax abatement, requested by the developers for a period of 25 years. Director Thompson also has reported there are points that need to be addressed before finalizing this Letter of Intent.
The developers have not revealed where the proposed facility is to be located, other than to say "north Blanco County". They have not indicated how many "luxury residences" would accompany the two proposed race tracks or the total size of the proposed development. The citizens of the county have no knowledge, therefore, of
what demands such a development will place on our groundwater resources.
Of equal concern to those of us who care about our water resources is the risk of pollution of the aquifer.
Formula One racing is NOT a water friendly activity. Fuel, oil and other chemical contaminants are a serious risk to ground and surface water.
Without knowing where the proposed facility is to be located, it is impossible to understand what creeks, springs or other surface water might be at risk. As the LCRA's Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinances do not cover Blanco County, we have very little regulatory capacity to protect surface water.
The ability of our Groundwater Conservation District to effectively protect the aquifer is uncertain.
Formula One race cars are very high power, high performance vehicles. In a word, they are very loud. Do the citizens of this county want to exchange the solitude of the Hill Country, put the wildlife on which our economy heavily relies at risk all for the sake of a development that brings few if any jobs or meaningful economic
return to the citizens? Further, do we want our tax dollars used to underwrite this venture?
If you are concerned about this proposed development, you should plan to attend the next meeting of the Johnson City Independent School District; this topic is on the agenda for that meeting.
The meeting will be held:
Monday, October 8th
6:00 PM
303 LBJ Drive
Johnson City Middle School
Administration Building, 2nd Floor (next to the old gym)
Johnson City
For additional information, contact Preserve Our Water at pow "at" moment.net.
