Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini, joined by Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Chairman Carlos Rubinstein, will host a Water Forum in Laredo on December 16, 2014.  The Water Forum will address water issues in the Laredo area. A press conference with Senator Zaffirini and Chairman Rubinstein will precede the forum.
 
The press conference and Water Forum will be held at Texas A&M University – Laredo, Senator Judith Zaffirini Success Center, 5201 University Blvd. The press conference begins at 10:00 am in Room 101-A. The Water Forum will begin at 10:30 a.m. in Room 101-B.
 
At the press conference, Senator Zaffirini and Chairman Rubinstein will announce the application period for State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) financial assistance is now open. Senator Zaffirini and Chairman Rubinstein will discuss water projects in the Laredo area that are eligible for SWIFT funding. The Texas Legislature created SWIFT to provide affordable financial assistance for projects in the state water plan, and Texas voters approved SWIFT via constitutional amendment in 2013. TWDB staff will explain the application process and low-cost loan terms for SWIFT. The TWDB is accepting SWIFT financial assistance applications through February 3, 2015. 
 
At the Water Forum, Senator Zaffirini, Chairman Rubinstein,  and staff from the TWDB and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will present on drought, new water technologies, water planning, and local water issues.
 
For more information, please contact Kimberly Leggett at 512-463-5129 or Kimberly.Leggett@twdb.texas.gov