TEXAS — Fairfield Lake State Park is closed and its transformation into a multimillion-dollar private community seems inevitable.
However, there’s an outside chance a Texas lawmaker’s last-ditch effort could save the property.
State Sen. Schwertner, R-Georgetown, on Monday filed Senate Bill 1656, which would allow the state to obtain the 1,800-acre park via eminent domain and reopen it to the public.
“The permanent closure of Fairfield Lake State Park is a tremendous and heartbreaking loss for the many visitors who enjoy boating, horseback riding, and hiking in this beautiful space,” Schwertner wrote in a news release. “Importantly, the park’s impending development will forever compromise our state’s precious land, water, and wildlife. Protecting the public’s interest in Fairfield is a top priority of mine this legislative session.”
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department leased and operated the park for more than 50 years. According to Schwertner, it attracted about 80,000 visitors a year.
There is no indication that developer Todd Interests is going to budge, however.
Schwertner’s bill follows a similar one filed by Rep. Angela Orr, R-Itasca, in February.
Schwertner’s news release says TPWD identified funding to purchase the park.