THIRSTY
This four-part series looks at the Trinity River watershed, its impact on the North Texas water supply and the effects of population growth and other factors on its long-term health. These stories originally aired on KERA 90.1 FM in May 2009.
One: From The Trinity To Our Tap
Don't be fooled by the mucky Trinity River that cuts through Dallas and nearly disappears in the summer heat. The Trinity is a life-giving force for North Texas - and it starts with an ever-flowing spring on a farm in Montague County. KERA's Shelley Kofler reports.
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Two: How Will We Handle Another Drought?
One group of North Texans knows drought more than most. Farmers and ranchers have historically struggled through dry times. Now, they're living through a drought labeled severe by the National Weather Service, meaning crops and water are scarce. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports.
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Three: Who Uses the Most Water in Dallas-Fort Worth?
In North Texas, money makes the sprinklers go 'round. Several local companies rank among the area's largest water consumers, and they're making efforts to conserve. But by far, residential customers account for most of the water consumption in Dallas and Fort Worth - and lawn watering is a big factor. KERA's BJ Austin reports.
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Four: The Battle Over Marvin Nichols Reservoir
Marvin Nichols is, by far, the biggest proposed reservoir in the Dallas/Fort Worth area's water plan, possibly submerging some 72,000 acres of mostly private property. In rural East Texas land is sacred, which is why the proposed reservoir is a call to arms for some residents. KERA's Shelley Kofler reports.
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BANKING ON THE RIVER
This four-part series looks at redevelopment plans of the Trinity River in North Texas, and their potential to reshape the area. These stories originally aired on KERA 90.1 FM in November 2009.
One: Public Access Vital For Trinity Success
Let's face it: A lot of North Texans think the Trinity is dirty and unattractive. They can't imagine fine dining on the Trinity, boating on the Trinity or romantically walking hand-in-hand along its shores.
However, that's exactly what development plans in Dallas, Fort Worth and Irving envision. The good news is that other cities have overcome challenges similar to ours - and KERA visited their riverfronts to find out how they did it.
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Two: Dallas Trinity Focus: Getting People to the River
Dallas is betting a $2.5 billion makeover of the Trinity River will turn a 20-mile stretch of flood plain into a destination. City leaders want to bring residents and tourists to the river's edge. However, there are some obvious challenges to building three lakes, whitewater kayaking, trails, and a toll road - all of it inside the levees. KERA's BJ Austin looks at those challenges.
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Three: What Can We Learn From Las Colinas?
More than 35 years ago, wealthy landowner Ben Carpenter had a vision. It included the creation of a North Texas waterfront community with canals like the ones in Venice, Italy. So what happened to that vision? The answer is Las Colinas, which few people think currently looks like Carpenter's vision for the Trinity River waterfront - and after nearly four decades, Las Colinas leaders say it's still a work in progress. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports.
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Four: Fort Worth Riverfront Provides Access With A Pricetag
Fort Worth's riverfront plan promises to create development on the Trinity that will double the size of downtown. Just looking at access to water - many experts' all-important requirement for riverfront projects - you'd probably say Fort Worth's elaborate design hits a home run. It creates a lot of new opportunities for recreation, and for living, working or dining by the water. But at what cost? And can Fort Worth pull it off? KERA's Shelley Kofler reports.
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Banking on the River - Update
These stories update the Banking on the River stories listed above, and originally aired on KERA 90.1 FM in April 2010.
An Update on Dallas Parks and Lakes
There is new discussion about Trinity River development in Dallas - but without the controversial toll road. KERA's BJ Austin looks at how the toll road and economics have delayed another important piece of the project. What's going on with the parks and lakes we've been promised?
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Economy Not Slowing Fort Worth Development
Despite vocal opponents who want public money out of the project, Fort Worth's Trinity Vision planners seem to have back-up plans in the event a source of money falls short, and they've found some creative ways to cut costs. KERA's Shelley Kofler takes a look at how Fort Worth plans to keep this project going despite the tough economy.
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