The Texas Water Development Board to hold a work session in Lubbock on December 7

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

AUSTIN – (December 1, 2016) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will hold a work session on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, in Lubbock at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, 2521 17th Street, at 1:30 p.m. The session will include an in-depth conversation and discussion of water supply challenges of rural and agricultural communities. The discussion will include perspectives from local representatives of producer groups, communities, and a regional water provider.

State Senator Charles Perry, TWDB Board members, and staff will also be on hand to discuss how the TWDB can further meet the needs of rural and agricultural communities through existing programs.

"We are dedicated to supporting rural Texas," said Chairman Bech Bruun. "Over the last 10 years, we've made 1,082 commitments for $11.8 billion through our financial assistance programs for water projects. More than half have been for entities with a population of less than 10,000, but we hope to do even more for these small communities."

While the TWDB has financed water and wastewater projects in small communities, it has also funded agricultural conservation projects.

"We have provided more than $100 million in agricultural conservation grants and loans," said Board member Kathleen Jackson. "Texas producers are utilizing water resources more efficiently than ever before and their input will be invaluable in identifying new opportunities where the TWDB can assist them in reaching their conservation goals."

To better facilitate communication with communities, the TWDB has organized its project development division into regional teams.

"We have a wide range of financing programs available, but getting the local perspective from folks on the ground is critical to ensuring that those programs are put to the best use possible," said Board member Peter Lake. "Participation by our partners in the rural and agricultural communities is essential to the success of this workshop, so we hope to receive lots of ideas and information from the public on December 7."

The public is encouraged to attend the work session.

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.