Texas Lawmakers Unveil $1 Billion Plan to Secure State’s Water Future

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March 20, 2025 Maverick Tax Guardians

Texas Lawmakers File Plans to Overhaul State Water Funding

In a bid to address Texas’ growing water crisis, state lawmakers have introduced major legislative proposals aimed at modernizing and securing the state’s water infrastructure. With water demand projected to increase while supplies diminish, the proposed reforms seek to ensure long-term sustainability and reliability of water resources.

New Legislative Proposals

Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) has filed Senate Bill 7 (SB 7), a comprehensive measure focused on enhancing state oversight of water projects, increasing water supply sources, and upgrading outdated infrastructure. A corresponding bill, House Bill 16 (HB 16), introduced by Representative Cody Harris (R-Palestine), emphasizes repairing deteriorating water systems and expanding state-supported water projects.

These bills are set to funnel substantial financial resources into the Texas Water Fund, a state-controlled fund aimed at financing critical water initiatives. Under the proposed legislation, up to $1 billion per year could be allocated to water-related projects, including flood control, conservation efforts, and water treatment system improvements.

The Urgency of Water Reform

Texas is facing an impending water crisis, with statewide water demand expected to rise by 9% while current water supplies may decrease by 18% by 2070, according to experts. Many rural and urban communities are already experiencing infrastructure failures, water shortages, and aging pipelines in need of repair. Without decisive action, economic growth and public health could be at serious risk.

Governor Greg Abbott has thrown his support behind the water funding overhaul, calling it “a top priority” for the legislative session. He emphasized that ensuring water security is essential for Texas’ continued economic expansion and for meeting the needs of the state’s rapidly growing population.

Securing Texas’ Water Future

The proposed bills aim to establish a sustainable, long-term funding mechanism similar to the state highway fund, ensuring dedicated financial investment in Texas’ water infrastructure. Supporters argue that the time for action is now, as delays could lead to even more costly emergency interventions in the future.

With legislative discussions underway, stakeholders, including local officials, water experts, and business leaders, are closely watching the progress of these bills. If passed, these measures could mark one of the most significant investments in Texas’ water infrastructure in decades.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Texas Legislature moves forward with these crucial water funding proposals.

source
This news article is based on information from:
Community Impact -“Texas lawmakers file plans to overhaul state water funding” (March 14,2025). Retrieved from: https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/texas-legislature/2025/03/14/texas-lawmakers-file-plans-to-overhaul-state-water-funding/