Fort Worth’s Panther Island and its funding are the latest issue in Republican primary
Panther Island has become even more of a political issue.
Now that officials have said they expect just a small portion of the federal dollars requested this year for the $1.17 billion project, Republican Chris Putnam said it’s time to take a long look at the project that would reshape the Trinity River north of downtown Fort Worth.
Putnam, a former Colleyville city councilman, is challenging U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, a Fort Worth Republican who spearheaded the project, for the 12th Congressional District seat in the March 3 GOP primary.
After federal officials announced Monday that Panther Island will get just $1.5 million for a feasibility study, far less than the $38 million local officials requested, Putnam stressed that while he was on the Colleyville City Council he helped guide efforts to pass transparency and ethics reforms, along with term limits.
“In part, these new ordinances required the public disclosure of land ownership, business interests, and government contracts held by officials and employees,” Putnam said in a written statement. “As we have seen with today’s news about Panther Island and the Grangers, they are also much needed in Washington, D.C. ...
“When we close our eyes to this kind of government waste, political nepotism and corruption we become direct enablers to everything we claim to hate about Washington, D.C.”
Granger’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Putnam’s statement. Her office also did not respond to a request for comment Monday evening regarding the feasibility study.
The White House Office of Management and Budget a feasibility study on the project is needed. Generally these studies detail a flood problem, review the environmental impact and note how to fix the problem, as well as provide alternatives.
Local officials have said a study showing the economic viability of Panther Island isn’t needed. Congress approved funding for the project in 2016 without calling for a study. Locals have said the feasibility study would take too long and cost too much money, further delaying the project.
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price — who has met with White House budget officials to talk about the project — has said it may be necessary to look into public-private partnerships.
“I applaud the efforts by Mayor Price and Fort Worth city leaders to influence a solution in Washington DC independently of Ms. Granger,” Putnam said in his statement. “We must now start over but can do so in the sunlight of complete transparency.”
An independent review of Panther Island last year found confusion surrounding the project and suggested changes to the management structure. In October, the Trinity River Vision Authority changed the role of J.D. Granger, its executive director and the son of Granger. J.D. Granger will now focus on coordinating the flood control aspects of the project and is no longer involved in economic development or recreation.
Kay Granger, a former Fort Worth mayor, is seeking a 13th term in office. Putnam, who lives in Fort Worth, is challenging her in what has become a high-profile, well-funded race.
At stake is a two-year term that pays $174,000 a year. The district includes the western part of Tarrant County, all of Parker County and the eastern part of Wise County.
Early voting for the March 3 primary runs from Feb. 18-28.
The winner will face the winner of the Democratic primary, either Lisa Welch or Danny Anderson.
This story was originally published February 11, 2020 at 3:13 PM.
