Texas Water Board details how it will spend $1 billion for water infrastructure projects

(The Texas Tribune) – ODESSA – Texas last week began dividing $1 billion in taxpayer approved money among different types of water infrastructure and supply projects. Most of the money will go toward low-interest loan programs to help cities and water systems upgrade drinking water systems and water conservation projects. At least $45 million will be reserved for communities with fewer than 1,000 residents. And about $130 million will go to towns with 1,001 and 10,000 residents. The Texas Water Development Board, the agency responsible for the state’s water supply and managing this money, also set aside $20 million for high-risk projects. Related Stories Texas is losing billions of gallons of water each year due to outdated water infrastructure. Smaller rural towns that lack a tax base are particularly behind in updating their pipes and valves. State lawmakers in 2023 asked voters to approve the $1 billion to help municipalities fix broken pipes. While water advocates are excited for the $1 billion to begin flowing to local water systems, it will not be enough to solve the state’s water woes. The water board said the state will have to spend $80 billion by 2070 to keep its infrastructure up to...