Infrastructure issues and plans for the future spilled into City Hall last Tuesday.
On Aug. 2, the Taylor City Council held a special held meeting to conduct a workshop on current and future needs for city water and sewer. Representatives from HDR, the city’s engineering firm, were in attendance to answer questions and clarify items in regards to Taylor’s water and sewer system.
The conversation included the city’s comprehensive plan and how the growth sectors and future land use map, current and future usage, the existing water and sewer systems, their growth and water treatment plants. HDR also reviewed potential concerns of being reliant on one source of water from Granger Lake and the Brazos River Authority.
A large swath of Tuesday’s conversation stemmed from Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s impact on the water and sewer system. The Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan, which guides the city on longterm growth and development, incorporates utilities and infrastructure into the plan. Days after the comprehensive plan was adopted Nov. 18, 2021, construction of a Samsung plant was announced. Since then, water and sewer master plan drafts have been amended to align with the comprehensive plan.
Angelica Salazar expressed concerns at Taylor’s capacity to supply enough water to Samsung amid general water supply issues.
“It’s hot. It’s dry, and we’re going to give our resources to a factory,” said Salazar. “I want to look after my community, my family, my neighbors. Samsung will leave us dry, and it’s not fair.”
Representatives from HDR and the city went over details of how Samsung’s water and sewer usage would be mapped out.
For the full discussion, visit http://taylortx.swagit.com/play/08032022-730.
For more on the presentation and discussion between the council and HDR, read this Wednesday’s e-Edition of the Taylor Press for Aug. 10.
