Texas Water Development Board meeting features special session on innovative water solutions

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

AUSTIN – (April 14, 2014) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will hold a board meeting in Austin at the Texas State Capitol Building, 1100 Congress Avenue, Room E2.030, on April 17, 2014, with sessions to be held at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The meeting will cover innovative water solutions for Texas and financial assistance for water projects around the state.

"The TWDB looks forward to hosting an open and transparent forum that allows for the board and public to hear a wide range of innovative ideas and solutions," said TWDB Chairman Carlos Rubinstein.

The morning session will include presentations and discussions from external experts on innovative water solutions to conserve and manage existing water supplies in Texas, as well as ideas on developing new supplies for Texas. Topics are wide ranging and include water conservation, desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, and reuse.

"It is important for Texas' future that we consider all technologies and opportunities to conserve and manage our water supply," said Board member Bech Bruun. "Along with looking at ways to make the most of our current water resources, we need to consider options that would create new water supplies."

The TWDB afternoon agenda will include consideration of financial assistance for water projects around Texas, as well as briefings and discussions on SWIFT rule development and drought conditions.

"The financial assistance the TWDB is able to provide to communities around the state is crucial in continuing to improve and develop the state's water infrastructure," said TWDB board member Kathleen Jackson. "Many communities, especially those in rural parts of the state, would not be able to implement needed water projects without this assistance."

The public and interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend and provide public comment at both meetings.

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.