On January 31, Commissioner Jeff Thompson wrote to Senator Hutchison concerning the transfer of the remaining Longhorn land to U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

The letter said:

As you will recall, on August 29, 2005 I wrote you a letter regarding my support for the re-direction of the remaining land at the former Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant to the State of Texas for the purpose of economic development. The 1500 to 2000 acres was to focus on industrial development, with the concentration for a large industrial business or industry that would employee a large workforce and make a major boost in the creation of jobs in Harrison County.

Since that initial letter, I have made several trips to the proposed industrial development site for briefings of the property, and to evaluate the greatest use and economic potential for Harrison County.

My first visit was on September 1, 2005 that included representatives from the Office of Governor Rick Perry, representation from AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company, and the Regional Director from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. During the tour of the former ammunition plant I was stunned that almost the entire infrastructure, which included the railroad spurs, buildings, water lines, sewage treatment facilities, and electrical grid works had been removed from the original plant site.

My second visit was in late December 2005 with Mark Williams, manager of the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. He reviewed with me the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department's Plans and Procedures to maximize the best use and practices of the land, as well as the future economic dollars that could be recovered within and by Harrison County with the opening of the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Prior to these meetings, I must honestly say that I was not well informed about the best use of the remaining acres that have not been officially directed at the former Longhorn Ammunition Plant. However, after these significant meetings I feel that Harrison County would best be served by using the land as it was initially requested, and to transfer the remaining land as soon as possible to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department for the purpose of the Caddo Lake Wildlife National Refuge.

For a copy of Jeff Thompson’s letters and his sound clip click below.