Saturday, July 27, 2024
Texas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 6 on the Nov. 7 constitutional amendments ballot to create the Texas Water Fund and authorize a $1 billion appropriation to upgrade Texas’ water infrastructure and fund new water supply projects. These funds, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), may be used to develop innovative water supply projects that create new water sources in the state, transfer money to certain existing TWDB financial assistance programs, and fund a statewide water public awareness program.
As Texas’ population continues to grow, the Texas Water Fund will help communities across the state implement cost-effective water supply and wastewater projects through loans and grants. By providing low-cost, flexible financing options, the funding provides economic opportunity for communities to overcome cost hurdles.
“It’s really encouraging that state leaders recognize the importance of funding water supplies and infrastructure and, furthermore, that Texas voters also support these critical initiatives,” said TWDB Executive Administrator Jeff Walker.
Of the $1 billion appropriated to the Texas Water Fund, the TWDB must allocate at least $250 million to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund. This new fund is designed to implement innovative water supply strategies, such as marine and brackish water desalination, oil- and gas-produced water treatment projects, and aquifer storage and recovery projects. Through this fund, the TWDB is directed to finance projects that will lead to 7 million acre-feet of new water supplies by Dec. 31, 2033.
A portion of the fund must also prioritize water infrastructure projects in rural areas with a population of less than 150,000 as well as water conservation strategies and water loss mitigation projects.
The TWDB will soon begin seeking public input on implementing the Texas Water Fund legislation. Subscribe to our “General Information” and “Financial Assistance” email lists to receive the latest information on how you can participate.
The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water and flood planning, and preparing the state water and flood plans. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood mitigation and agricultural water conservation projects.
