Adam RollinsThe Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is seeking input on how to implement and distribute $1 billion from the voter-approved Texas Water Fund. The 88th Texas Legislature created the $1 billion fund in 2023 to support water supply projects across the state.
The TWDB must allocate no less than 25% of the $1 billion to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund, which is designed to implement innovative water supply strategies such as marine and brackish water desalination. A portion of the funding must also be used to support water infrastructure projects in rural areas and municipalities with less than 150,000 people. The funds must also go to projects that feature substantially completed permitting, water conservation strategies and water-loss mitigation projects.
TWDB is seeking feedback on how to best allocate the fund’s $1 billion. It should be noted that the new administrative rules are not required to implement the fund. The TWDB will gather input through three surveys that went live Jan. 18.
The first survey is for Financial Assistance for Water Infrastructure Projects. The survey will gather feedback on creating a single, combined solicitation for entities to apply for all water financial programs. It will also help determine key factors to consider when offering grants. In addition, the survey will help assess water infrastructure-related risks, barriers faced in implementing projects and incentives needed for implementation.
The second survey is for the New Water Supply for Texas Fund. The survey will help determine availability of subsidized interest rates and grant funding, how project priority should be awarded and what factors to consider when offering grants.
The third survey is for the Statewide Water Public Awareness Program, which ensures TWDB will use a portion of the Texas Water Fund to educate Texas residents. The survey will help determine how to prioritize educational initiatives and how TWDB can support existing water education and awareness programs.
The TWDB is responsible for collecting water-related data, helping communities plan for regional water and flood prevention projects and finalizing state water and flood plans.
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