$1 billion Texas Water Fund closer to implementation

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will close the stakeholder input period for the $1 billion Texas Water Fund on April 30.

Voters last year approved the supplemental general-revenue appropriation, which is administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and is designed to address the state’s water needs as its population continues to grow.

The Texas Water Fund established the New Water Supply for Texas fund dedicating 25% of its budget. The program focuses on innovative water supply strategies and encourages public-private partnerships for qualifying projects.

The fund also mandates funding for rural water infrastructure projects, completed permitting projects, water conservation and loss mitigation and a statewide water awareness program.

Board members will review input from Texas residents about which programs should receive funding to create the first draft of an intended use plan with a project priority list. TWDB has a timeline through the spring of 2025 to continue to approve financial assistance plans.