The Tarrant Regional Water District and leaders like Congresswoman Kay Granger promise to get federal funding for a flood control project that they say will yield economic benefits. But some residents are skeptical as time drags on. With new leadership at the water district, the Fort Worth Report seeks to educate, engage and empower our readers about the water district’s inner workings, this project, why they matter and how they can be improved.
Tarrant water district plans to spend more on Panther Island project. When will federal government invest?
An Army veteran who started a massage therapy business a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic asked the Tarrant Regional Water District on Tuesday whether she would have to move. Within a few hours, Marquita Moore got her answer. Yes. The board unanimously…
Tarrant Regional Water District sponsors water education program for local schools
This fall, students and teachers at Tarrant county elementary schools will be able to enjoy a free, professional theatre performance about water conservation thanks to the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD). TRWD is…
Click! A look back at the top photos of the week in Fort Worth, Tarrant County
From the heartwarming meanings behind water lanterns released into the Trinity River to the suave, vintage car show at the Henderson Street Bridge, our photojournalist at the Fort Worth Report captures the diversity…
Congresswoman’s daughter-in-law to exit water district
Shanna Cate Granger’s departure coincides with the board’s efforts to address nepotism at the agency.
Tarrant water district talks more about governance policies
The Tarrant Regional Water District general manager soon may be subject to a higher standard than his predecessor — and even the law — when it comes to nepotism. The board on Thursday…
Grand jury investigating Tarrant water district
A Tarrant County grand jury is investigating the Tarrant Regional Water District. District Attorney Sharen Wilson sent a letter to board members informing them she had received a complaint about the Sept. 29…
Tarrant water district to pay former GM about $257K
The Tarrant Regional Water District will pay its former general manager $161,647.20 not to sue the agency he led for almost four decades. He also will receive almost $100,000 tied to his unused…
Tarrant water board votes to settle former general manager’s threatened lawsuit
The Tarrant Regional Water District board voted 4-1 on Wednesday to settle with its former general manager before he could sue them. But details of the settlement with Jim Oliver won’t become public…
Some are calling for the water district to be investigated. What’s the status of public integrity cases in Tarrant County and across the state?
For two days in a row, Doreen Geiger joined a handful of others holding signs demanding a forensic audit in front of the Tarrant Regional Water District headquarters. Some cars slowed. Some honked. …
Tarrant water district board moves toward tightening governance policies
The Tarrant Regional Water District is considering changing policies to address decades-old concerns recently detailed in a series of Fort Worth Report stories. A key policy, drafted by the law firm Thompson &…
Former Tarrant water district manager hired girlfriend despite past nepotism criticism
In 2019, Tarrant Regional Water District General Manager Jim Oliver announced he would change the high-profile job of JD Granger. It was an attempt to quell public criticism as Granger oversaw the Panther…
Texts show water district employees surveil public at board meetings
Text messages show Tarrant Regional Water District security closely monitoring people attending a public meeting and describing one man as “a skunk looking to get kicked.”
Water board meets with attorneys about questionable GM payment, take no action
A law firm found former water board president Jack Stevens acted on his own, twice, in directing staff to exempt top employees from a district policy. Attorneys at the law firm Thompson &…
Water board members want budget that is more transparent
Water board president Leah King asked staff on Wednesday to provide a total amount budgeted for legal fees next year.
Water district pays $1.8M in legal fees without a contract
Although it is not required, local governmental agencies should periodically seek requests for proposals for professionals and get written agreements.
On his way out the door, water district general manager lets loose, emails reveal
Water District General Manager Jim Oliver strongly aired his grievances to board members about the perception of the Panther Island/Central City Flood Control project.
What you need to know about the water district
A clandestine payment planned and then cancelled renewed the public’s interest in the Tarrant Regional Water District. Here, we try to answer readers’ questions about it.
New water district general manager talks about quelling controversy, moving forward transparently
Dan Buhman hopes to win the public’s trust back after it was damaged in part by his predecessor’s actions and the slow pace of flood control project.
Tarrant water district board members question law firm’s advice
Board member Mary Kelleher asked Friday that the Tarrant Regional Water District’s general counsel, Pope, Hardwicke, Christie, Schell, Kelly & Taplett, stop handling its public record requests.
Emails reveal outgoing water district GM’s feared personal ‘financial dilemma’
When Jim Oliver announced his retirement as the Tarrant Regional Water District’s general manager, he did so on the assumption that he would work for the district as a senior adviser for another…
Water district board strikes down former president’s attempt to pay retiring GM
Former Board President Jack Stevens unilaterally directed staff to pay retiring general manager Jim Oliver more than $300,000 in extra compensation.
Tarrant water board tables plan to honor retiring GM
The Tarrant Water Board skipped its plan to honor retiring general manager Jim Oliver during its board meeting this week. The board’s agenda called for it to “consider the adoption of a resolution…