Texas Water Development Board approves $69,000,000 to the Baytown Area Water Authority (Harris and Chambers counties) for water system improvements

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

AUSTIN – (July 24, 2025) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of $69,000,000 to the Baytown Area Water Authority (Harris and Chambers counties) from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT)* program for construction of a water supply project.

The Authority could save approximately $5,600,000 over the life of the loan by using the SWIFT program.

With the assistance approved today, the Authority will expand its East Surface Water Treatment Plant from the existing 6 million gallons per day (MGD) capacity to 12 MGD, which includes installing an intake screen and media filter, upsizing and adding pumps, adding a new ground storage tank, upgrading the chemical injection system, and constructing a new sludge lagoon for solids handling. 

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.

*The SWIFT program includes two funds, the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas (SWIRFT). Revenue bonds for the program are issued through SWIRFT.