The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) met on April 10 and approved financial assistance totaling $49,680,593 for water and wastewater system projects. Of this funding, $5,285,593 was approved for rural projects.

This report is intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics the committee took up. It is not a verbatim transcript of the hearing, but is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer and the desire to get details out as quickly as possible with few errors or omissions.

 

Discussion regarding outreach efforts and activities by the Board.

 

Each board member discussed their recent outreach activities.

 

Consider approving material changes to contracts for goods and services executed during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019; and the contract and performance report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. Board Agenda 02 Document

 

David Carter, Executive Administrator’s staff

  • Changes considered: extend the length of or postpone the completion of a contract for six months or more, or increase the total consideration to be paid under a contract by at least 10 percent.

 

Motion to adopt the proposed resolution prevails.

 

Consider authorizing the Executive Administrator to negotiate and execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2019 agricultural water conservation grants. Board Agenda 03 Document

 

Cameron Turner, Executive Administrator’s staff

  • The projects will further water conservation in the state by supporting the implementation of the irrigation conservation water management strategies.

 

Motion to adopt the proposed resolution prevails.

 

Consider approving by resolution a request from the City of Dripping Springs (Hays County) for $44,395,000 in financial assistance consisting of $43,395,000 in financing and $1,000,000 in principal forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for planning, acquisition, design and construction of wastewater system improvements.

 

Dain Larsen, Executive Administrator’s staff

  • The city anticipates exceeding its wastewater capacity by 2022.
  • The city requests funding for construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, upgrades to its current plant, upgrades to its wastewater collection system, construction of a plant for potable use.
  • The city plans to begin construction later this year and utilize the multi-year funding option.

 

Motion to adopt the proposed resolution prevails.

 

Consider approving by resolution a request from Palo Pinto Water Supply Corporation (Palo Pinto County) for $1,630,593 in financial assistance, consisting of $615,000 in zero interest financing and $1,015,593 in principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for planning, design, and construction of a water system improvements project. Board Agenda 05 Document

 

Caaren Skrobarczyk, Executive Administrator’s staff

  • The corporation’s region contains 50-year-old water lines that are deteriorating.
  • The existing elevated storage tank is also deteriorated.
  • They are requesting funding to construct a new water line, feed pump, and a new elevated storage tank.

 

Motion to adopt the proposed resolution prevails.

 

Consider approving by resolution a request from Presidio County, acting on behalf of the Candelaria Water Supply Corporation, for $300,000 in principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for: a) planning, design, and construction of an arsenic removal project; and b) for a waiver from the requirement to include funds to mitigate water loss as a part of this project. Board Agenda 06 Document

 

Lee Huntoon, Executive Administrator’s staff

  • The Corporation has been issued an administrative order by the Environmental Protection Agency for exceeding the maximum contaminant level for arsenic.
  • Additionally, the distribution system has recorded disinfection residual levels below the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) minimum levels of free chlorine or chloramines.
  • The County proposes to evaluate its two wells separately to review arsenic levels.
  • The proposed project will evaluate, pilot and construct an arsenic removal treatment facility to meet primary drinking water standards.
  • An asset management plan will also be completed to allow for improved system management.

 

Motion to adopt the proposed resolution prevails.

 

Consider approving by resolution a request from the Upper Jasper County Water Authority (Jasper County) for $3,355,000 in financial assistance from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for planning, design, and construction of a water system improvements project. Board Agenda 07 Document

 

Nancy Richards, Executive Administrator’s staff

  • The Authority is proposing a new well to provide a reliable water source to its customers on the north side of the Angelina River.
  • The Authority proposes to drill a new well north of the river and directionally drill a new river crossing.
  • The project will also include replacing the water line from the existing well site. The replacement of the aging water lines will reduce water loss and numerous line breaks leading to boil water notices.
  • Additionally, a 10,000-gallon transfer storage tank will be replaced.

 

Motion to adopt the proposed resolution prevails.

 

No public comment

The Board met in Executive Session, but no action was taken.

 

Meeting adjourned.