Latest news with #TexasWaterFund
Axios
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Texas state leaders didn't prioritize flood management
As Texas state leaders have prioritized spending on border security and property tax cuts, they have been far more reluctant to fund flood management efforts. Why it matters: Texas leads the nation by a wide margin in flood deaths. More than 1,000 people died in Texas floods from 1959 to 2019, according to an academic analysis, most having occurred in the Hill Country. Local officials in areas like Kerr County have struggled to secure funding for basic warning systems and have instead relied on National Weather Service text alerts and word-of-mouth to alert residents of flooding, rather than costly outdoor siren systems. The big picture: Despite Texas' vulnerability, the state didn't complete a comprehensive statewide assessment of flood risk and solutions until last year. "Planning, in the long term, is going to save lives; it's going to protect people; it's going to reduce misery ... not just in monetary costs but also in human suffering," Reem Zoun, the director of flood planning for the Texas Water Development Board, told members of the board last August. "What we do will not eliminate flooding. If we have large storms, we're still going to flood — but if we work properly and proactively, and have appropriate floodplain management practices, we will see less impact." By the numbers: Though the Texas Water Development Board has identified more than $54 billion in needed flood-control projects, lawmakers have only allocated roughly $669 million so far, the New York Times reported Monday. This year, the Legislature approved $2.5 billion for the Texas Water Fund — used to finance water projects in Texas, including conservation, desalination, and flood mitigation — with the possibility of $1 billion per year over 20 years using sales tax revenue, pending voter approval in November. Lawmakers also passed Senate Bill 1967, expanding projects that can be awarded from the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund. One key proposal, House Bill 13, would have created a state council to establish a unified disaster response and alert system, but it stalled in the Senate after some Republican lawmakers questioned its cost. The bill would have required the council to consider the use of outdoor warning sirens and implement an emergency alert system. "I can tell you in hindsight, watching what it takes to deal with a disaster like this, my vote would probably be different now," state Rep. Wes Virdell, a Republican who represents Kerr County, told the Texas Tribune. Zoom in: In the Hill Country, technological and infrastructure barriers have slowed adoption of modern flood alerts. Kerrville officials explored installing a warning system in 2017 but rejected the idea over its price tag. The county later missed out on a $1 million grant and, as recently as 2023, was still weighing other funding options, according to KXAN. Outdoor emergency sirens may have given people more time to escape, former Kerr County commissioner Tom Moser told the New York Times, but a single siren can cost as high as $50,000. What's next: Gov. Greg Abbott indicated Sunday that he'll include the notification issue on the upcoming special session agenda.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Legislation By Gov. Abbott Bolsters Texas Water Infrastructure Investment
(Texas Scorecard) – Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation aimed at increasing funding for Texas' water infrastructure on Wednesday at the Engineering Products Facility in Lubbock. Senate Bill 7 places oversight and funding for water infrastructure development under the purview of the Texas Water Development Board. The TWDB is Texas' primary water planning and financing agency. It is responsible for collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water supply and flood planning, and administering financial programs for water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects. Assigning the TWDB to work with other government and private entities is intended to simplify water transportation through existing and new structures. The measure also creates the Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee, which will be tasked with making recommendations to TWDB regarding the use of funds and monitoring water structure projects. Texas Policy Research, in a published overview of the measure, applauded its overall intent, but expressed concerns regarding some of its fiscal requirements, lack of oversight, and the potential infringement on private property the measure creates. While there is no actual spending being allocated for water projects in the measure, it does lay out a framework for long-term spending through the Texas Water Fund. 'We have an across the board urgency to make sure that we address the water issue, so much so that in my State of the State address, I made fixing the water problem an emergency item,' said Gov. Greg Abbott at the bill signing. 'And the good news is we had the legislature step up and get that job done with the largest water law in the history of the great state of Texas.' Abbott also used the event to promote a constitutional amendment that will be before voters in the fall. House Joint Resolution 7 amends the Texas Constitution to create steady revenue streams to the Texas Water Fund if state sales and use taxes exceed $48 billion in a year. If those taxes exceed this amount, the state comptroller will automatically transfer up to $1 billion to the Texas Water Fund every year. This provision will expire in 20 years if no further action is taken by the legislature to renew it. Overall, HJR 7 allows the state to take over management of Texas' water development and for the funds to be distributed without going through the usual allocation process. Since HJR 7 seeks to amend the Texas Constitution, taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote on the measure on November 4.
Miami Herald
19-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Greg Abbott Launches $20 Billion Texas Water Plan
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed two major bills into law on June 18, launching a landmark $20 billion investment aimed at tackling Texas' growing water shortages. Final funding approval for part of the plan will require voter consent in a November statewide ballot. Newsweek contacted Abbott for comment on Thursday via email outside regular office hours. Texas faces mounting water challenges driven by rapid population growth, frequent droughts and rising demands from agriculture and industry. Leaking infrastructure and dwindling supplies threaten quality of life and economic growth. Abbott's plan aims to secure the state's water future while addressing ongoing environmental concerns. Texas suffered from severe drought in the summer of 2023, with only 11 percent of the Lone Star State drought free, according to the U.S. Drought Map, though more rainfall improved the situation in 2024. In September 2024, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said the state loses "about a farm a week" because of water shortages. Details of the Water Investment The bills signed by Abbott-Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) and House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7)-target repairing aging water systems and investing in new supply sources. Half of the $20 billion allocation is earmarked for infrastructure upgrades and the other half will support projects such as pipelines and desalination. Voter Approval and Immediate Funding The plan requires voter approval of HJR 7 in November to dedicate $1 billion a year from state sales tax revenue, beginning in 2027. However, the $2.5 billion allocation for the Texas Water Fund is secured regardless of the November ballot result. The Texas Water Development Board will oversee project selection and funding distribution as the state shifts to a coordinated, regional strategy for water management. Texas Water Context Water scarcity is a recurring crisis in Texas. Years of drought, persistent population increases and intensified industrial use have stretched existing systems, forcing some cities to consider restricting development. The state also faces a backlog of expensive infrastructure repairs, with Houston alone reporting a $4.93 billion need because of leaking pipes according to city officials. Texas Governor Greg Abbott: "We lose about 88 billion gallons of water a year because of broken, busted, and aged pipes." State Senator Charles Perry: The new law represents "a cultural shift from the way we do water in Texas" and moved the focus to coordinated regional strategies. Texas voters will decide on final funding through a constitutional amendment in November. If passed, the initiative will set aside $1 billion annually for water projects, beginning in 2027, with immediate funds supporting urgent infrastructure needs across the state. Related Articles Texas Defunds Border WallGreg Abbott To Sign Texas Property Tax Bill: What To KnowTexas' Largest Newspaper Trashes Greg Abbott Protest Move: 'Expect Better'Texas to Deploy Thousands of National Guard Troops for Anti-Trump Protests 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A look at the wins rural Texas scored in this year's legislative session
There were big wins for rural Texas this legislative session as lawmakers dedicated more funding to health care, struggling farmers and emergency management. More than 3 million Texans live in rural pockets strewn across the state, from the Piney Woods in East Texas to far-flung corners in the Panhandle. However, people in rural communities are more likely to lack access to basic necessities, have a dearth of hospitals and struggle to find money for infrastructure needs. Lawmakers took strides to close those gaps this year. Some proposals did not go through, including a bill that would have prioritized applications for broadband projects that expand to underserved and unserved communities. However, there are other changes that stand to improve conditions for rural communities. Texas schools can expect an additional $8.5 billion in public education funding. House Bill 2, sponsored by state Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, gives public schools money for teacher and staff salaries. The money will also be used for training and preparing teachers, special education, safety requirements and early childhood learning. Texas has an excess of 5.5 million students attending 1,200 public school districts. The boost is expected to help financially stagnating school districts recover from their shortages, including budget deficits, keeping up with competitive salaries and operating costs. Chris Stanley, board president of the Ector County School District in the oil-and-gas producing region of the state, said he was pleased to see lawmakers pass a public school funding package in tandem with the voucher program. The district is running with a $24 million deficit to educate its 33,000 students. Stanley said the district will benefit from the extra money. However, Stanley said it was just the start to addressing the needs of public schools. 'In no way is it over,' Stanley said. Legislators also passed a private school voucher school program called the Education Savings Account, a $1 billion program that allows families to use public dollars to pay for private schools. Parents and educators have said the program could adversely affect public schools. Lawmakers addressed a flurry of water issues plaguing Texas communities this session, and some of their solutions will directly benefit rural areas. Senate Bill 7, a sweeping bill by state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, calls for more money to go toward rural Texas. The bill allows for money from the Texas Water Fund to be allocated to the Rural Water Assistance Fund, which provides small, rural water utilities with financing for water and wastewater projects. The bill also requires the Texas Water Development Board to ensure a portion of the money is used in rural areas. Lawmakers also expanded what type of projects qualify for funding through the state. This is helping South Texas officials in their two-year long quest to obtain the funding for a project that would reuse water in their drainage system. Senate Bill 1967 allows drainage projects that capture floodwater, treat it and distribute it as a new source of water to qualify for funding through the Flood Infrastructure Fund. Gov. Greg Abbott has signed the bill into law. The bill also allows drainage districts to qualify for funding through the Water Loan Assistance Program, even if they don't have historical data about water use or provide retail water service directly to consumers. While these changes to the Texas Water Code will help officials in Hidalgo County get started on construction for their project, it also helps drainage districts across the state fund similar projects. Texas lawmakers took several steps to address problems with rural health. This includes a bill that provides more support for rural hospitals. Experts say it could have helped prevent the closure of a hospital in East Texas during the legislative session. The Mid Coast Medical Center closed down its operations in Trinity, a town of about 2,400 that is 90 miles north of Houston, citing financial concerns. Rural hospital closures slowed in Texas after the state saw an influx of federal funding for rural health care as part of the national response to COVID-19. The funding has ended, but inflation hasn't, leaving many rural hospitals with tough financial choices. House Bill 18, by Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, is known as the Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act. It seeks to give more support for rural hospitals by creating a State Office of Rural Hospital Finance to provide hospitals with technical assistance. Lynn Cowles, the health and food justice director for Every Texan, a public policy institute in Texas, said the bill is good but requires a lot of oversight and monitoring. 'We do want to make sure that the bill's emphasis on administrative improvements and training is going to serve the bill's intent and not line pockets for consulting firms,' Cowles said. The bill also creates a Rural Hospital Financial Vulnerability Index and Needs Assessment, which will evaluate the financial health of rural hospitals, along with a Rural Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program and other measures. Under the bill, each hospital's reimbursement rates will be updated every two years. John Henderson, CEO of the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals, said the bill was the most significant rural health legislation in a 'generation.' He said the Medicaid rate protection, pediatric behavioral health and other changes will help rural communities. 'Because these things are now in statute, rural hospitals can count on it,' Henderson said. 'Rather than worry about uncertainty related to renewals or budget cycles.' Rural emergency services will also get a boost from lawmakers. House Bill 3000 by state Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, addresses the lack of resources for rural emergency services, which largely happens because of tight budgets that keep medical departments from affording equipment. The bill establishes a grant program for qualified rural counties to purchase ambulances as a way to strengthen emergency services and improve response times. Texas farmers will soon have access to additional state support, thanks to a bill by Sen. Stan Kitzman, R-Pattison. House Bill 43 expands both the Young Farmer Grant Program and Young Farmer Interest Rate Reduction Program, which provide money to farmers. Age restrictions were eliminated from the grant program, making the money eligible to all farmers. Changes to the interest rate reduction program will allow anyone in agriculture to apply for loans up to $1 million at an interest rate of 2%. Under the current program, only 18 to 46 year-olds can only apply for $500,000 loans at a 5% interest rate. The age restrictions were also eliminated from the grant program, which was limited to 18 to 46-year-olds. Under the bill, grantees could receive up to $500,000 while paying a 10% match. Currently, grantees can only receive $20,000 and have to fully match the grant. Businesses essential to agriculture, like cotton gins, are also now eligible to apply under the bill Kitzman said the goal is to help producers who are sitting in a tough economy to hang on. Uncertain markets, inflation and growing competition for land have made it difficult for farmers to operate. Rodney Schronk, a fifth-generation farmer from Central Texas whose family has grown cotton, corn and other commodities, tipped his hat to lawmakers for helping agriculture. 'So hopefully it's enough money that maybe — maybe — there'll be some farmers that are able to survive these difficult times,' Schronk said. As his son prepares to take over the family business, Schronk sees how the bill's expanded funding opportunities could help establish more stability in their own farm. In the coming years it may open the door to actually purchase land, rather than just lease it. Lawmakers also passed a bill directing the state's emergency division to establish a disaster recovery program. Authored by Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, House Bill 3010 makes new money available to certain counties, cities and colleges when extreme weather devastates infrastructure. The bill does not include a specific amount. Counties must have fewer than 100,000 residents to apply for this funding, which will be administered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. To be eligible, the cost of restoring destroyed infrastructure must exceed 10% of what the county collects in state and local sales taxes. Applications must include an estimate of the total cost of the repairs and evidence that the project does not qualify for federal assistance. Leon County Judge Byron Ryder said the money will help counties like his address the immediate aftermath of natural disasters, such as flooding and hurricanes. He said counties often have to dip into their penny-pinched budgets to keep themselves afloat while they wait for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse the damages. That reimbursement is not guaranteed. Ryder said the county, with roughly 16,000 residents, has spent upwards of hundreds of thousands on previous hurricane and flooding damages, part of which has not been reimbursed. 'We're on our own for the first 72 hours [of a disaster],' Ryder said. 'Everything is spent, and then we hope we get reimbursed by FEMA.' Another bill by Rep. David Spiller, R-Jacksboro, seeks to eliminate the disparities between rural and urban firefighting and rescue capabilities. The bill requires Texas A&M Engineering Service to conduct a study that evaluates the disparities and provide recommendations on how to improve it. Another requirement is that the study considers several factors, including available funding for personnel and equipment and the number of qualified candidates to fill new or vacant positions. The study is to be submitted by Dec. 1, 2026 to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House. Lawmakers also passed a slew of bills aimed at preparing the state for wildfires and mitigating the damage. The package of legislation includes 10% of money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program to go to volunteer firefighters at risk for wildfires. Disclosure: Every Texan and Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH) have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas water projects would get billions under bill headed to Governor
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Legislation to bolster our state's water supply is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. But the final decision on the multi-billion dollar plan rests in the hands of Texas voters. Friday night, the Texas Senate accepted House amendments to Senate Bill 7. The bill would dedicate $1 billion in sales tax revenue toward the Texas Water Fund each year for the next 20 years. Those funds could be used for a variety of water infrastructure projects, such as fixing aging systems, building desalination plants, and expanding water supplies in our drought-prone state. Nonprofit organization Texas 2036 estimates that the state will need more than $150 billion over the next 50 years to support growing demand. Their report was cited by supporters of the legislation, who noted the potential economic impact of inaction on water policy. 'If Texas doesn't have enough water, or if we continue to suffer from the problems associated with aging, deteriorating drinking water and wastewater systems, we're looking at a multi billion dollar hit to the state's economy,' said Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy for Texas 2036. Mazur said the report estimated $165 billion per year in lost GDP and economic damages due to insufficient water infrastructure. Abbott made investing in water one of his priorities for the 89th Legislative Session. He is expected to sign the legislation, but there is one more step to make the plan a reality. The legislation proposes to amend the Texas Constitution, meaning Texas voters must approve a proposition in an election this coming November for the funding to take effect. Mazur is optimistic that Texas voters will say yes. He noted strong support that passed a 2023 proposition to create the Texas Water Fund. 'What we find at Texas 2036 is that water, in political terms, is a winner,' Mazur said. 'Our polling shows that there are strong majorities between both Republicans and Democrats that are overwhelmingly supportive of state investment in water infrastructure. So we're optimistic of what this proposition will be, what the outcome of this proposition will be in November.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
