Press Release – District Doubles Sign-up Bonus for Aquifer Conservancy Program and New Board President!

MILANO, TX – During the Board meeting Tuesday, August 13, the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District (POSGCD) Board of Directors voted and approved a significant increase in the sign-up bonus for new enrollees in the Aquifer Conservancy Program (ACP). Effective immediately, the payment incentive for enrolling in the ACP has been doubled from $25 to $50 per acre.

This motion was made after the Board’s recognition and discussion of the growing need for groundwater conservation as regional projects continue to lease more properties in the area. With Texas experiencing rapid growth, the pressure on groundwater supplies is intensifying, making programs like the ACP more important than ever.

“There’s a lot of need for water to the west of us, and everyone sees that need and they see dollar signs,” General Manager Gary Westbrook said in response to questions about recent offers to lease water rights in Burleson County.

The increased sign-up bonus offers landowners an alternative to large-scale production and export projects, providing financial benefits without the need to lease or sell their groundwater rights.

“I think it’s important to get the word out. So many people still don’t know about this program,” Burleson County Director Becky Goetsch said during the meeting.

This one-time payment supplements the annual payments made on the anniversary of enrollment, which are based on the length of the landowner’s commitment to the program.

In addition to the sign-up bonus increase, the Board has directed the Advisory Committee to explore increasing the annual payments for current enrollees.

Landowners interested in the ACP can learn more by visiting www.posgcd.org/acp or contacting Courtney Gentry at admin@posgcd.org or (512) 455-9900.

In other news, the POSGCD Board of Directors elected Jay Wilder as its new President earlier Tuesday night. Jay, from Burleson County, has represented agricultural interests on the Board since 2006. The Board also welcomed Brian Wallis of Milam County, who was sworn in as the newest director, filling the vacancy left by former Board President Ward Roddam. The District congratulates Jay Wilder on his new leadership role and warmly welcomes Brian Wallis to the Board, confident they will drive the district’s mission forward.