Gov. Abbott Visits Lubbock to Sign Largest Generational Water Investment in Texas History

– Governor Greg Abbott

“Water is a critical need for all Texas. In my State of the State Address I called on the Texas legislature to make the largest investment in water in Texas history,” said Governor Abbott.

"This law, written by Chairman Perry and Chairman Harris does just that – providing a $20 billion generational investment for both new water supply and for the repairing of existing infrastructure.

"With this law, we will secure Texas water future for generations to come,” Abbott said.
 

“This session, lawmakers knew we had to be proactive in delivering a significant investment to help Texas meet its current and future water needs,” said Speaker Burrows. “This legislation will not only help secure Texans’ access to water, it will support continued economic growth and job creation across our state.

"I want to thank Chairman Harris for leading these efforts in the House, as well as Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Senator Perry for the thoughtful collaboration that allowed us to deliver to Governor Abbott and Texas voters a long-term strategy for a more secure water future,” Burrows said.
 

• Senate Bill 7 (Perry/Harris) assigns the Texas Water Development Board with the responsibility to coordinate water supply conveyance, expands the uses of the New Water Supply for Texas Fund, and dedicates funding in House Joint Resolution 7 to finance water supply and infrastructure projects.
• House Joint Resolution 7 (Harris/Perry) is a constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion ($1 billion annually) of the state’s sales and use taxes to the Texas Water Fund and allows the allocation and use of the revenue.

“Senate Bill 7 is a generational investment in securing Texas’ water future,” said Senate Committee Chairman Perry. “This legislation ensures our children and grandchildren have access to the water supply needed to keep our communities strong and our economy thriving. I’m grateful for the steadfast leadership of Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Burrows, and Chairman Harris in making this historic initiative a reality.”

Additionally, the governor highlighted Texans’ daily water needs and how the steps taken today will ensure Texas remains the best state to live, work, and raise a family.  

“The perpetuation of Texas’ economic miracle depends on the reliability of our water infrastructure,” said Chairman Harris. “This includes expanding our water supply portfolio and fixing our aging, water and wastewater systems. Texas is growing fast, and our water supply isn’t keeping up. Senate Bill 7 and HJR 7 are Texas-sized investments that puts us on a path to strengthen the state’s water system and, in turn, create jobs, support population growth and attract new investments to water infrastructure and new water sources for generations to come.”