Thread by @rkecseg84

Fort Worth Telegram pretends they’re just now figuring out @RepKayGranger & @charliegeren’s “flood control” project is $1.2 billion tax-funded boondoggle. Too bad @startelegram gave “lukewarm” support for $250 MILLION property tax loan in May 2018 #txlege empowertexans.com/local/tarrant-…

TRWD lied to voters on the ballot:
“Tarrant County property taxpayers will be asked on May 5 to loan $250 million to Fort Worth’s controversial land redevelopment project. But that’s not what voters will be told at the ballot box.” #txlege

“The ballot says the $250 million will be used for “flood control and drainage facilities.” Not true. The loan to Tarrant Regional Water District will be spent to turn downtown Fort Worth into an island, a project that’s been limping along for 12 yrs with little to show for it.”

“The TRWD did not have the legal authority to use eminent domain for economic redevelopment, or to spend tax $$ on related projects. But all that changed when #txlege Rep. @charliegeren (R–Fort Worth) pushed HB 2639 through in 2005, which granted broad new powers to the TRWD.”

“The plan was to redirect the Trinity River & create “Panther Island” downtown. In the interim, the TRV is building 3 bridges over dry land for $70 million. Due to design & construct ability issues officials were warned about, they’re more than 3 yrs behind schedule.” #txlege

“So far, an ice rink, concert venue, drive-in movie theater have been built. So much for flood control. And now, the TRV wants to build Gateway Park w/ hiking trails, skate & dog park, basketball/tennis courts, disc golf & 80,000 new trees. Again, for ‘flood control.’” #txlege

“According to an ORR by @texasscorecard, 260+ landowners had their properties condemned under TRV’s eminent domain powers afforded by Geren. And according to TRWD, they aren’t finished yet. How much tax $$ was spent on any of these projects? Nobody seems to know.” #txlege

“More than $443 million in local, state, and federal funding has been dedicated to the TRV. But after 12 years of delays, cost overruns, and inadequate financing, it remains unclear how any of the taxpayer funds have been spent.” #txlege

As of April 2018: “None of the TRV’s parent governments – Tarrant County, the City of Fort Worth, or the Tarrant Regional Water District – have ever called for a forensic audit to find out where the money went.” FW Mayor @MayorBetsyPrice has since called for an audit. #txlege

“After Congress killed earmarks, it’s been hard for Congresswoman @RepKayGranger (R–TX) to get fed pork approved for the largest, most expensive boondoggle in Texas.”

Granger is losing favor in DC, and due to lack of a required study, TRV was cut out of 2018/19 federal budget.

“But conveniently, @RepKayGranger’s son, J.D. Granger, has been paid a 6-figure salary for 12 yrs to run the boondoggle. In 2016, JDs salary was $192,000, making him one of the highest-paid government employees in North Texas.” #txlege

An alternative was rejected. “Back in 2005, taxpayers were told “Panther Island” would cost $360million. A $43 million plan for actual flood control – which would have raised existing levees along Trinity River – was turned down in favor of boondoggle, which will destroy them.”

The TRV’s cost has ballooned under Granger’s management. “Back in 2005, taxpayers were told it would cost $360million. The next year it increased to $435million. By 2009, price tag soared to $909million. And when voters approved $250million loan it was 1.17 billion.” #txlege

“Unsurprisingly, the @startelegram’s editorial board supported the $250 million loan in May 2018, but called their endorsement ‘lukewarm.’ Their ‘cautious’ recommendation read:

FW endorsement link: star-telegram.com/opinion/editor…

#txlege

“But taxpayers have never been told the truth. TRWD’s Prop A was another bait & switch. Tarrant County, Fort Worth, TRWD have refused to disclose where TRV spent millions in taxpayer $. No one has ever called for an audit.” Now @MayorBetsyPrice has. But will a crony do the audit?

NOTE: “We do know where some of the $ went. A gigantic model detailing the project – the size of a football field – was built in Vancouver for $1.7 million. It was destroyed bc it was too big to transport back to Fort Worth.” Watch video here: