Texas House Bill HB890

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the conversion of the West Travis County Public Utility Agency to the Hill Country Regional Water Authority and to the creation of the Hill Country Regional Water Authority; providing authority to issue revenue bonds or notes; granting the power of eminent domain; providing an administrative penalty; providing authority to impose fees.

Impact

The establishment of the Hill Country Regional Water Authority is expected to enhance public ownership of vital water and wastewater infrastructure, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. By allowing for the issuance of revenue bonds without needing to hold an election, the authority can quickly mobilize resources to fund necessary infrastructure projects. Furthermore, this bill addresses the critical public policy goal of sustaining water supply and quality in a rapidly growing region, aligning with efforts towards better conservation and management practices in response to local demographic changes.

Summary

House Bill 890 proposes the conversion of the West Travis County Public Utility Agency into the Hill Country Regional Water Authority, aimed at improving the management and provision of water services in Hays and Travis Counties. This bill establishes a new special water authority that retains the powers and responsibilities of the former agency while adding new capacities, including the authority to issue revenue bonds for funding and the capacity to impose various administrative fees to sustain its operations. One significant aspect of this legislation is that the authority can assume all existing liabilities and contracts of the previous entity, thereby ensuring continuity in service delivery.

Contention

While the bill facilitates the creation of a new governing structure aimed at optimizing water service delivery, it contains provisions that allow the authority the power of eminent domain, a point that could evoke public concern regarding property rights. The bill also explicitly prohibits the use of groundwater from the sensitive Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer, reinforcing conservation efforts but potentially limiting service capabilities in the region. Additionally, there may be discussions around the financial implications of imposing administrative penalties and fees, sparking debate about affordability for ratepayers in the area.