Live blog: TCEQ makes decision on Lake Ringgold

The city of Wichita Falls application for a permit to build Lake Ringgold in Clay County is the first item on the Friday agenda of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Austin. The session is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Watch for updates here.

Representatives of proponents and opponents have been given time to speak prior to the commission taking action, if any, on the application.

The application requests permission "to construct and maintain a dam and reservoir (Lake Ringgold), on the Little Wichita River, Red River Basin, in Clay County.

The Applicant requests an authorization to divert and use up to 65,000 acre-feet of water per year from the perimeter of Lake Ringgold for use for municipal, industrial, mining, and agricultural purposes."

More: TCEQ approves Wichita Falls permit to build Lake Ringgold

9:38 a.m. State Sen. Drew Springer said Lake Ringgold is unnecessary because it would displace hundreds of people and be a "staggering burden on water customers."

9:42 a.m. Nathan Vasser, attorney representing city, says Wichita Falls has met hits burden to prove the need for the reservoirs.

9:45 a.m. Lauren Ice, an attorney representing some opponents, said the lake would inundate thousands of acres of natural habitat that would be destroyed.

9:48 a.m. Ruth Takeda, attorney for the TCEQ executive director, testifies the city of Wichita Falls has met all requirements for application and it should be granted.

10:01 a.m. Vasser returned to say city has met its obligation.

10:18 a.m. Commission chairman Jon Niermann says city has met its obligations in permit application.

10:22 a.m. Commission takes a break with all three commissioners saying they favor granting the city a permit to build lake Ringgold.

10:36 a.m. TCEQ approves permit to build Lake Ringgold.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Live blog: TCEQ hearing on Lake Ringgold