Most poll respondents oppose building natural gas pipeline through Wimberley Valley
The Record’s online poll from Oct. 12- 26 asked readers whether a natural gas pipeline through the Wimberley Valley would be beneficial.
Pipeline company Kinder Morgan has planned a 42-inch natural gas pipeline from the Midland area to Katy. As planned, the 430-mile pipeline will cross about 32 miles in Hays County including the Wimberley Valley.
The current route, which is still in a preliminary form, would enter the county northwest of Wimberley and run to the area of Gold Road on Ranch Road 12 just north of Jacob’s Well Road. From there, the line continues east near Lone Man Mountain Road to FM 3237 near Rolling Oaks and continues to Kyle. The line would cross Interstate 35 between Kyle and San Marcos, then intersect with Hwy. 21 between Farm to Market Road 150 and FM 1966 before continuing into Caldwell County. Easements for construction would reach up to 125 feet in width, with 78 Hays County property owners expected to be impacted.
Some are concerned about the environmental sensitivity of the Wimberley Area. Others point to the fact that the company already pays about $20,000 annually in property taxes for a current pipeline that crosses the county’s northern tip and say the estimated $1.6 million the new project would bring in each year is needed.
The poll asking, “Do you think a natural gas pipeline through the Wimberley Valley would be beneficial?” received a total of 222 votes, with the majority of votes – 77 percent or 172 votes – going to option “No, it is too environmentally sensitive of an area, they should refine the route.” Twenty-three percent, or 50 votes, chose, “Yes, the $1.6 million of property taxes will be beneficial.”
A majority of poll voters think a natural gas pipeline running through the Wimberley Valley would not be beneficial because of the environmentally-sensitive nature of the area. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to, accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.
SMDR’s new poll is available online now, and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think the Hays County Commissioners Court’s decision to open three early voting locations in the county for additional days, after threat of lawsuit from the Texas Civil Rights Project, was the right decision.
It can be voted on now.
