The North Texas Municipal Water District broke ground on the new Lower Bois d'Arc Creek Reservoir on May 25 in Fannin County. This is the first reservoir to be built in Texas in 30 years and is expected to be complete in 2022.

The $1.6 billion reservoir will be a key source of water to meet the growing needs in North Texas. The water district will build, own and operate the 16,641-acre reservoir.

“This is a major milestone for a critical project that will provide water to 1.7 million people living in about 80 communities in North Texas,” said Robert Thurmond, president of the NTMWD's Board of Directors, in a press release.

A 90-foot dam will also be constructed. The dam is expected to be complete in 2021, according to a press release.

Upon completion, the Lower Bois d'Arc Creek Reservoir is also expected to host a variety of recreational opportunities and a habitat for wildlife.

The NTMWD and its 13 member cities have been working on this project for over a decade. A final permit for the reservoir was received in February.

More information about the reservoir can be found on the NTMWD's website.