Texas Water Development Board accelerates Senate Bill 3 implementation plan and grant funding agreements

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

AUSTIN – (December 16, 2025) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved an accelerated timeline for implementing Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) and grant agreements associated with Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), which are related to outdoor warning sirens in flash flood-prone areas in response to the devastating July 2025 flooding in Texas.

SB 3 directs the TWDB to assess the 30 counties included in the disaster declaration issued by Governor Abbott to identify flash flood-prone areas with a history of consistent or severe flooding where outdoor warning sirens are warranted. Additionally, SB 3 requires the TWDB to adopt rules and procedures to implement the bill, including best management practices and guidance for the operation of outdoor warning sirens.

The Texas Legislature also passed SB 5, which appropriated $50 million in grant funding from the state's economic stabilization fund to assist municipalities, counties, and other governmental entities within the 30 counties to establish and implement a system of flood warning sirens, including flood gages and all other components essential to the function of the system.

As part of the expedited process, the TWDB anticipates delivery of the grant agreements to each of the 30 counties by December 18, 2025.

For more information on SB 3 implementation, visit the TWDB website or send an email to Flood_Sirens_Program@twdb.texas.gov.

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.