MACKENZIE DAM

Approximately ten years ago three men had a dream. This dream was the construction of a reservoir that would impound and provide surface water for future municipal distribution and usage. One of the dreamers was Bill Long of Silverton, Texas. He obtained a map depicting the rugged terrain of the country near Tule Creek. Realizing that water would be needed in the future for Silverton, as well as other surrounding towns, he presented his idea to Floyd County Judge J. D. McBrien and Mayor S. W. Ross. These three men contacted the mayors of Silverton, Tulia, Lockney and Floydada requesting they send delegates for a meeting to discuss the possibilities of the water reservoir.

A meeting was held in Silverton, Texas on February 13, 1964, with the following men present: W. A. Amburn, Marvin L.

This committee discussed a possible dam site located about 68 miles northwest of Silverton. They decided to organize a water district, file a presentation with the Texas Water Commission delineating the territory and watershed of the district and a request for prior

surface rights of this area. They also devised a plan for the financial support of this organization.

G. W. Suggs of Lockney, Texas, was placed on a retainer as legal council for the group. The firm of Freese, Nicholes and Endress of Fort Worth, Texas, was selected to handle engineering plans to determine if the project would be feasible.