Relating to the deadlines for commencement and completion of the Lake Columbia reservoir project.
Impact
The legislation mandates that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must amend the existing permit without the need for public notice or hearing, consequently removing the deadlines outlined in the current permit. This change could streamline the process for moving forward with the Lake Columbia project, which is vital for ensuring adequate water resources for rural communities.
Summary
House Bill 2108 addresses the deadlines associated with the commencement and completion of the Lake Columbia reservoir project. The bill emphasizes that this project is intended as a rural water supply effort for political subdivisions and asserts its importance to the public interest. By eliminating the specific deadlines previously set in the permit for the construction of this project, the bill seeks to provide flexibility in its development timeline.
Contention
While the bill appears to facilitate local water resource management, it may raise concerns regarding oversight and public engagement. The fact that the amendment to the permit can be made without notice or public hearing could be contentious, as stakeholders may worry about the lack of transparency in decision-making processes that affect local water supplies and environmental management.