The Angelina & Neches River Authority will host the 24th Annual Neches River Rendezvous, a fun and family-friendly 10-mile paddling adventure down the Neches River, on May 18, 2024.
The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce first held the Rendezvous in 1997, and it quickly became a popular annual event, with up to 300 people participating, however, due to Covid-19, weather conditions, and supply chain issues, the event has not been held the past five years.
The Authority, a long-time sponsor of the Rendezvous, was approached by the Chamber in 2022, about possibly hosting the event in the future. “It’s a perfect opportunity and perfect timing,” said Kelley Holcomb, the Authority’s general manager. “At the time we were approached, we had just begun to expand our conservation and recreation education and outreach program and I can’t think of a better way to fulfill the conservation part of our legislative mission.”
The Rendezvous will be limited to 100 paddlers for the first year that the Authority hosts the event in 2024, but depending on the available supply of vans, trailers, kayaks, and canoe rentals needed for the event to be successful, the Authority hopes to increase the number of participants back to 300 paddlers, as it was in it’s prime.
In May 2023, all rights to the Neches River Rendezvous were legally transferred from the Chamber to the Authority. Over the summer, the Authority has been busy planning details and securing logistical elements required to host the event. As has been traditional in the past, the staging area for the Rendezvous will be at International Paper’s North Boggy Slough. Participants and volunteers will park and register at Boggy Slough and will then be shuttled to the launch location upriver. There will be four staggered launch times to avoid overcrowding.
After a leisurely 3-4 hours paddling the river, participants will end their journey at the Highway 7 bridge, next to Hackberry Bunkhouse & Kayak Rentals, where they will be assisted by volunteers, to get out of the river and shuttled back to Boggy Slough.
Several traditional elements of the event will continue, such as lunch on the grounds of Boggy Slough and providing participant with a souvenir t-shirt. However, the Authority will introduce some new, fun ideas in 2024. This includes contests and games, including a t-shirt design contest, allowing a limited number of vendors and food trucks to set up at Boggy Slough, and prioritizing conservation and education-based practices, including the Authority’s Stash Your Trash litter campaign.
“It’s important to get people out on the river, so that they understand what there is to lose if we don’t take care of our natural resources. The Neches River is a gem hidden in our own backyard behind the big pine curtain here in East Texas. A lot of people, especially younger generations, have never gotten out on the river and some don’t even know that it exists. Of course, we don’t want the Neches to suffer from negative environmental impacts from overcrowding and litter, but I think it’s important that everyone should experience the river at least once,” said Kimberly Wagner, the Authority’s executive manager of communications.
No experience is needed to participate in the event, however, anyone under the age of 18, must have a legal guardian present. Life jackets are highly recommended. Safety checkpoints will also be located at several locations along the paddling trail.
Registration for participants will open in early spring 2024.
The Authority is currently seeking volunteers and sponsors for the event. A volunteer guide and a sponsor information packet can both be found on the Authority’s website or via the contact information below. A series of volunteer committee meetings will take place before the event, beginning in October 2023.
The Angelina & Neches River Authority is located at 2901 N. John Redditt Drive, Lufkin, Texas, 75904. For more information, call the Authority’s Central Office Facility at (936) 632-7795, email recreation@anra.org, visit www.anra.org, or find both the Authority and the Rendezvous’ event pages on Facebook.
A draft of ANRA’s 2023 Clean Rivers Program Basin Highlights Report is now available for public review and comment.
The document is available on the CRP reports page at anra.org.
Comments will be accepted via email at crp@anra.org until 5 pm CST June 9, 2023
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We appreciate your participation!
To: Holmwood Utilities Customers (Public Water System ID # 1210020)
Subject: BOIL WATER NOTICE RESCINDED
On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) required the Holmwood Utilities public water system (PWS ID Number 1210020) to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Holmwood Utilities has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by Holmwood Utilities used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 26, 2022.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Mr. Chris Key, P.E., Operations Division Manager, Angelina & Neches River Authority at (936) 632-7795 or (800) 282-5634.
If a customer wishes to contact TCEQ, they may call (512) 239-4691.
To: Holmwood Utilities Customers (Public Water System ID # 1210020)
Subject: BOIL WATER NOTIFICATION
On Thursday, August 27, 2020, Holmwood Utilities experienced a power outage due to Hurricane Laura that resulted in low water pressures and affects the entire water system. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required Holmwood Utilities (PWS ID Number 1210020) to notify all customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from other suitable sources. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.
If you have questions regarding this matter you may contact Mr. Chris Key, Operations Division Manager, Angelina & Neches River Authority at (936) 632-7795 or (800) 282-5634
If you wish to contact TCEQ, you may call 512-239-4691.
The Angelina & Neches River Authority (ANRA) is closely monitoring the unprecedented situation with COVID-19 as it continues to develop, and taking actions as needed.
The health, safety, and well-being of our community and of our employees is our top priority, and we want to provide you with some assurances.
ANRA is a government-designated critical infrastructure facility, and as such, all essential operational functions, including water and wastewater services, will continue uninterrupted.
ANRA is practicing all recommended precautionary measures to minimize the risk of virus-exposure and spread, and your water continues to be safe to drink.
Online bill pay is available to our customers, and we recommend that you utilize it if you are able.
If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 situation, please contact our office at 936-632-7795 to discuss your options for deferred payments.
We encourage you to keep up date with your local municipalities, health districts, and State and Federal authorities for news and rules/recommendations to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Here are some links to maps, data, and educational materials that you may find useful:
- Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19 information page
- Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19 map
- Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard
- ArcGIS COVID-19 Maps and Information Hub
ANRA will update this page as further actions are taken or recommendations are made. Continue reading for more information. (The most recent updates will be at the top).
Wednesday March 3rd Update
On March 2, 2021, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order 34-Opening Texas Response Disaster. This Executive Order rescinds all of the operating limits for businesses in the State of Texas as well as rescinding the requirements for face coverings. As a result of Governor Abbott’s actions, all of the operations restrictions specified in ANRA’s COVID-19 Reopening Stage 2 dated May 18, 2020 are rescinded effective 08:00 on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
All of the prior restrictions are rescinded, and the activities specifically referenced below will take effect and remain in effect until further notice.
Operations Activities:
- Public Access
- Central Office:
- Lobby entrance will be reopened to the public for bill payment and general business activities.
- Lab customers will continue to use the shipping receiving area.
- All customers will continue to be encouraged to use ANRA’s payment portal or some form of electronic payment; i.e. debit, credit.
- Neches Compost Facility:
- Customer access to the office remains prohibited.
- The temporary payment station will continue to be utilized.
- Customers will continue to use some form of electronic payment; i.e., debit, credit.
- Central Office:
Purchasing and Travel:
- No restrictions beyond normal budgeted purchasing and travel constraints.
Hygiene and Disinfection:
- Staff are to continue to observe social distancing measures.
- The ANRA-issued Guidance for Post Exposure Quarantines, dated December 22, 2020, remains in effect.
Monday May 18th Updates
As Governor Abbott continues to ease restrictions related to the spread of COVID-19 and re-open Texas, ANRA continues to re-evaluate its response to those measures. As a result of Governor Abbott’s actions, the following measures are effective as of 08:00 on May 18, 2020.
All of the prior restrictions are rescinded, and the restrictions specifically referenced below will take in effect and remain in effect until further notice.
Operations Activities
- Public Access
- Central Office:
- Access to the lobby area remains closed to the general public.
- All signage is to remain in place for customer notification.
- All water customers, OSSF customers and Lab customers will continue to be directed (via signage and markers) to the shipping receiving area for ALL business transactions.
- All walk-in customers will continue to be encouraged to use some form of electronic payment; i.e., debit, credit or ANRA’s online payment portal.
- Neches Compost Facility:
- Compost sales will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- The temporary payment station will continue to be utilized.
- Customer access to the Office is prohibited.
- Customers will continue to use some form of electronic payment; i.e., debit, credit.
- Central Office:
Purchasing and Travel:
- All non-essential purchases for every department continue to be suspended
- All training events, ANRA sponsored volunteer events, and work-related travel outside of the Neches River basin is suspended.
- Exceptions include purchasing activities associated with capital improvement projects, construction activities and other contractually required purchases.
- Any purchases or travel that contradicts these conditions requires the prior approval of the General Manager.
Hygiene and Disinfection
- Volunteers will continue to wipe down and disinfect employee facing and customer facing common areas.
- Staff are to continue to observe social distancing measures.
- The wearing of masks by employees is optional. ANRA has masks available for employees upon request.
Wednesday April 29th – Neches Compost Facility to reopen for public sales
The Angelina & Neches River Authority’s Neches Compost Facility (NCF) will reopen to the general public Thursday, April 30 at 8:00 a.m.
ANRA General Manager Kelley Holcomb said, “The facility was temporarily closed to the public on March 26 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the continuation of the facilities core operations of providing bio solids disposal functions for municipal wastewater systems.
Following Gov. Abbott’s announcement to begin reopening the economy, Monday, April 27, the NCF will reopen for compost sales and wood waste disposal. Tours of the facility are not available at this time.
Customers are encouraged to wear protective masks and to continue to practice social-distancing while at the facility.
For the convenience and safety of our customers, a contactless payment station will be set up outside of the front door and customers are encouraged to pay by credit or debit card. No visitors will be allowed inside the building.
NCF will resume regular operating hours– open to the general public Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Neches Compost Facility is located on Texas Highway 79, approximately 8.5 miles south of the city of Jacksonville. The address is 1805 Highway 79 W, Jacksonville, Texas, 75766.
For more information about the facility, call 903-584-3415 or visit www.anra.org/divisions/ncf/ or www.soiltherapy.org
Thursday March 26th – ANRA enacts stage 2 measures to combat virus
Operational Activities:
- Central Office:
- Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, the lobby area will be closed to the general public. Signage has already been developed and will be hung on the front doors for customer notification.
- All water customers, OSSF customers and Lab customers will be directed (via signage and markers) to the shipping receiving area for ALL business transactions.
- All walk-in customers will be encouraged to use some form of electronic payment; i.e., debit, credit or ANRA’s online payment portal.
- Neches Compost Facility:
- Compost sales are suspended effective immediately.
- All tours, site visits and educational events are suspended.
- Sludge and woodwaste disposal activities will continue as normal.
Purchasing and Travel:
- All non-essential purchases for every department are suspended. Examples of essential purchases/services include vehicle fuel, treatment chemicals, items used for critical repair and maintenance of facilities and equipment, and supplies that are vital to maintain ANRA’s core functions.
- All training events, ANRA sponsored volunteer events, and work-related travel outside of the Neches River basin is suspended.
- Exceptions include purchasing activities associated with capital improvement projects, construction activities and other contractually required purchases.
- Any travel that contradicts these conditions requires the prior approval of the General Manager.
Hygiene and Disinfection (all facilities):
- A team of volunteers will be assembled to wipe down and disinfect employee facing and customer facing common areas.
- All multi-use eating and drinking utensils shall be collected and thoroughly washed and sanitized and will be stored or removed from the premises to prevent contamination.
- Single use items are preferred over multi-use items for such things as drink cups, stir sticks, hand towels. etc
Tuesday March 19th – ANRA enacts stage 1 measures to combat virus
In an overabundance of caution, and in an attempt to minimize the potential exposure to any infectious diseases, effective immediately, the following operational conditions are in force until the nationwide disaster declaration has been lifted.
- Operations Activities:
- All wastewater process control sampling is suspended effective immediately.
- All programmatic sampling that can be pushed until next month or next quarter should be rescheduled.
- The OSSF enforcement program collection of an E-coli sample for verification is suspended. Enforcement cases will continue to be investigated with the exception of E-Coli sampling. The enforcement file chronological log should reflect the following statement:
“Due to the nationwide disaster declaration as a result of the Coronavirus infection, E-coli sampling has been temporarily suspended. Sampling will resume once the disaster declaration has been lifted.” - The Spring Fling originally scheduled for April 4th at the Neches Compost Facility is officially cancelled.
- All ANRA staff who drive an ANRA vehicle are directed to maintain fuel levels in all vehicles and equipment at no less than a half a tank of fuel at any given time.
- All emergency response vehicles and equipment should be prepped and made ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
- Purchasing and Travel:
- All requisitions for non-essential supplies have been suspended.
- Non-essential supplies consist of office supplies, paper goods, and other consumables that are not absolutely necessary for conducting ANRA’s routine business.
- All staff members should immediately begin conserving all supplies in all program areas, with particular emphasis on paper goods.
- All non-essential travel, training and public meetings are suspended until further notice.
Additional restrictions may be initiated in the future based on additional information or changing conditions.