On November 16th the Sunset Advisory Commission heard testimony regarding Sunset staff recommendations on the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Recommendations that witnesses opposed included those relating to the transfer of the TWDB’s desired featured conditions petition process to the TCEQ and the inclusion of regional planning group voting members on groundwater management area committees.
On November 18th the TWDB, during its board meeting, approved financial assistance totaling $17,906,000 as follows:
- $955,000 from the Texas Water Development Fund to the City of Bogata (Red River County) to finance water system improvements;
- $10,440,000 from the Texas Water Development Fund to the Sunbelt Fresh Water Supply District (Harris County) to finance wastewater system improvements;
- $6,430,000 from the Texas Water Development Fund to the North Forest Municipal Utility District (Harris County) to finance water and wastewater system improvements;
- $81,000 from the Economically Distressed Areas Program to the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board on behalf of the Turf Estates Water System Receiver (El Paso County) to finance the planning, acquisition and design of a water system improvement project.
Additionally, the board approved five 2011 regional water plans for regions A, E, G, H, and O. The final regional water plans will be brought before the December TWDB meeting. The board also approved recommendations to the 82nd Legislature. A copy of the draft report presented at the meeting can be viewed at: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/BoardMembers/2010/November/Board/Brd16LegPriorities.pdf
The next regular meeting of the TWDB is scheduled for Thursday, December 16th.
