Texas Water Development Board seeking public input for Texas Water Fund
For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129
AUSTIN – (February 28, 2024) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is seeking public input through April 30 to assist in the implementation of the Texas Water Fund. The Texas Water Fund, approved by Texas voters through Proposition 6 on the November 2023 constitutional amendment ballot, authorized a $1 billion appropriation to fund water infrastructure upgrades, innovative water supply projects, and a statewide water public awareness program.
The fund allows the TWDB to provide funding through certain existing TWDB financial assistance programs and the newly created New Water Supply for Texas Fund. 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 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.
To inform funding priorities and the administration of existing TWDB programs to which funds may be transferred, the TWDB is accepting input through several in-person and virtual opportunities.
Online Surveys
- Texas Water Fund Survey 1: Financial Assistance for Water Infrastructure Projects
- Texas Water Fund Survey 2: New Water Supply for Texas Fund
- Texas Water Fund Survey 3: Statewide Water Public Awareness Program
Stakeholder Meeting in Austin: Wednesday, March 20, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Barbara Jordan State Office Building - Room 2.034, 1601 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. TWDB staff will provide an update on implementation efforts and be available to discuss topics of interest related to the Texas Water Fund. Stakeholders may also attend virtually.
Work Session in Lubbock: Wednesday, April 10, at 9:30 a.m.
Citizens Tower, City Council Chambers, 1314 Avenue K, Lubbock, Texas. The meeting will also be live streamed.
Additionally, the Board will accept comments during its scheduled Board meetings through April. Written feedback may also be submitted to TexasWaterFund@twdb.texas.gov. Survey responses and emailed commentary are due by April 30.
To learn more about the Texas Water Fund and the implementation timeline, please visit the TWDB website.
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.