Texas Water Development Board approves $16,415,000 to the City of Port Arthur (Jefferson County) for water system improvements

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

AUSTIN – (January 22, 2026) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of $16,415,000 to the City of Port Arthur (Jefferson County), consisting of $12,415,000 in financing and $4,000,000 in principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The City will use the assistance for the design and construction of a water system improvement project.

The City could save approximately $4,100,000 over the life of the loan by using the DWSRF, in addition to the principal forgiveness.

With the assistance approved today, the City will replace approximately 114,186 feet of 6-inch to 20-inch water distribution lines, approximately five percent of the total system, 730 valves and 259 fire hydrants. The City also proposes adding 16 fire hydrants and 13,583 feet of new 6-inch to 16-inch water distribution lines.

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.