The 88th Texas Legislative Session generated several bills focused on addressing water supply needs and flood mitigation efforts in Texas, as well as the science and planning that contribute.
Many of these legislative efforts impact and support the work being done by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), the state’s water and flood planning, science, and financing agency.
Senate Bill 28 and Senate Joint Resolution 75 aim to upgrade Texas’ water infrastructure, fund water supply projects, and improve public awareness. The legislation creates two new funds to be administered by the TWDB: the Texas Water Fund (pending voter approval), and the New Water Supply for Texas Fund; and a new account: the Statewide Water Public Awareness Account.
The legislative package also directs the TWDB to enhance existing programs, such as the water loss technical assistance program and water conservation efforts.
Subject to voter approval of a constitutional amendment in November, $1 billion will be deposited into the Texas Water Fund to pay for new water projects and infrastructure upgrades and repairs, with a focus on rural communities.
In accordance with SB 28, these funds may be used to develop water supply projects that create new water sources in the state, transfer money to certain TWDB financial assistance programs and fund a statewide water public awareness program.
With the passage of SB 30, the TWDB will receive $125 million for match funding to leverage an estimated $757 million in federal funds for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan programs.
Additionally, the legislation provides more than $4.3 million for new debt service to issue $100 million in financial assistance through the Economically Distressed Areas Program during the 2024 fiscal year.
House Bill 2759 authorizes the TWDB to serve as the lead agency developing the TexMesonet Hydrometeorology Network, a statewide resource for hydrometeorological data and summary information for weather forecasting, flood preparedness, drought monitoring, wildfire management, water resource planning, and similar efforts.
The bill requires the TWDB to monitor hydrometeorological conditions and also establishes a TexMesonet Advisory Committee to advise and make recommendations related to the network.