The Texas Tribune
  • Our Picks
  • Data
  • Events
  • Newsletters
  • Donate
  • Our Picks
  • Data
  • Events
  • Newsletters
  • Donate

Ritter's Bills Would Put $2 Billion Toward Water Projects

State Rep. Allan Ritter, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, filed two bills on Thursday that would allocate $2 billion from Texas' Rainy Day Fund to create a fund for water-supply projects. It's the largest amount proposed to date.

by Cody Permenter Jan. 10, 201312 PM

Republish
Construction finishing on a two million gallon water tank in a 13,000-acre water well field owned by the Colorado River Municipal Water District near Wickett, Texas. The land and existing infrastructure, purchased from Luminant Generation using state funds, as well as newly constructed water wells and pipeline, can pump up to 30 million gallons of water out of the field a day.
Construction finishing on a two million gallon water tank in a 13,000-acre water well field owned by the Colorado River Municipal Water District near Wickett, Texas. The land and existing infrastructure, purchased from Luminant Generation using state funds, as well as newly constructed water wells and pipeline, can pump up to 30 million gallons of water out of the field a day. Jerod Foster

State Rep. Allan Ritter, R-Nederland, filed two bills Thursday that would allocate a one-time, $2 billion sum from Texas' Rainy Day Fund to create a revolving fund for water-supply projects. 

Ritter, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, is a key figure on water issues in the drought-ravaged state. House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, has said he is looking to Ritter's leadership on water.

Of the several water bills and proposals from state leaders, Ritter's proposed sum is the largest. The money would come from the Rainy Day Fund, which is also known as the Economic Stabilization Fund and is supplied by oil and gas taxes.

"It is vital for the future of Texas that a dedicated source of revenue be established for funding the state water plan," Ritter said in a prepared statement, referring to a plan released this year that lists $53 billion in desired water-supply projects. "Our economy depends on it, our communities depend on it, and ultimately, our daily lives depend on it."

The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Ritter's bills include House Bill 11, which would secure $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund, and HB 4, which would set up how the Texas Water Development Board utilizes the funds.  

State Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, has already filed a bill to use $1 billion from the fund for water projects, and state Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, has said he believes that up to $1.6 billion would be needed. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has proposed using $1 billion from the fund for water.

Bill Hammond, president of the Texas Association of Business, released a statement in support of Ritter’s bills, HB 4 and HB 11.

“Without an adequate water supply, our Texas economy will dry up," he said, adding that Ritter's bills would "put in place a funding mechanism for the statewide water plan,” Hammond said.

Along with using funds for infrastructure that expands water supplies, such as desalination plants or pipelines, Ritter's bills would dedicate up to 20 percent of the new fund to projects that emphasize water conservation and reuse.

The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club issued a statement praising Ritter’s plans, in particular HB 4 due to its focus on water conservation. 

The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.

Quality journalism doesn't come free

Perhaps it goes without saying — but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. Do you value our journalism? Show us with your support.

Yes, I'll donate today

Hide all comments

Comment Policy

The Texas Tribune is pleased to provide the opportunity for you to share your observations about this story. We encourage lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask that you refrain from using profanity or other offensive speech, engaging in personal attacks or name-calling, posting advertising, or wandering away from the topic at hand. To comment, you must be a registered user of the Tribune, and your real name will be displayed. All comments are shown in Central Time. Thanks for taking time to offer your thoughts.

You must be logged in to leave a comment. | Login | Sign Up

Your Comment

    • Donate
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • © 2019 The Texas Tribune
    Topics
    • Congress
    • Courts
    • Criminal justice
    • Demographics
    • Economy
    • Energy
    • Environment
    • Health care
    • Higher education
    • Immigration
    • Politics
    • Public education
    • State government
    Info
    • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Who Funds Us?
    • Strategic Plan
    • Republishing Guidelines
    • Code of Ethics
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Send us a confidential tip
    • Corrections
    • Feeds
    • Newsletters
    • Video
    Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Reddit
    • Join our Facebook Group, This Is Your Texas.