Today TWDB Executive Administrator Kevin Patteson made several recommendations for HB4 rulemaking that the Board accepted

For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129

AUSTIN – (January 23, 2014) – Last November, voters passed Proposition 6, approving funding of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT). One of the steps the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) must take before funds are released is developing rules for using these funds.

Today TWDB Executive Administrator Kevin Patteson made several recommendations for rulemaking that the Board accepted. TWDB will host several meetings around the state where stakeholders can provide input on issues such as determining whether projects meet criteria for rural subdivisions, agricultural conservation, or water conservation and reuse.

"Board members and staff will hold multiple work sessions around the state to make sure all stakeholders' issues are considered," Patteson said. "The meetings are open to the public, and the first meeting has already been scheduled. We encourage anyone interested to attend and participate."

Interested parties are invited to attend that meeting, which will be held Friday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m. in Room 170 of the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 N. Congress, Austin, Texas.

Stakeholder input is also needed to help the Board develop rules for prioritizing which state water plan projects will be constructed. Written comments may also be provided.

TWDB launched a new website devoted to SWIFT that will have a comment form, provide a rule development timeline, list upcoming meetings and post proposed and final rules. Stakeholders can also sign up to receive SWIFT-related updates via email.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state's water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.