Texas House Bill HB3861

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/30/09
• Voted on by House: 5/7/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the financing by the Texas Water Development Board of the proposed Lake Columbia reservoir project.

Impact

The legislation authorizes the Texas Water Development Board to commit to financing up to fifty percent of the total costs for the Lake Columbia reservoir project, thereby facilitating a significant investment in rural water infrastructure. This funding mechanism is designed to support not only the construction of the reservoir but also the eventual distribution of water to various political subdivisions which may not currently have contracts for water supply from this reservoir, thereby potentially expanding access to water resources in the region.

Summary

House Bill 3861 is an act relating to the financing provided by the Texas Water Development Board for the Lake Columbia reservoir project. This bill recognizes the importance of the Lake Columbia project as a rural water development initiative that serves political subdivisions. It expresses the legislature's belief that the construction and development of this reservoir are in the public interest, promoting an optimal regional development of the project's site.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its objective to enhance water resources, there may be underlying concerns regarding the prioritization of funding and resource allocation. Stakeholders may debate the implications of providing financial support to certain projects over others, especially within a rural context where competing needs for water management and infrastructure could result in differing opinions on the best use of state funds. Additionally, as the bill allows future revenues to be considered for financing, this could lead to discussions about accountability and management of water resources at local levels.