Texas Senate Bill SB1870

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the West Fort Bend Water Authority; providing authority to issue bonds; granting the power of eminent domain; providing an administrative penalty.

Impact

The creation of the West Fort Bend Water Authority is intended to centralize and streamline water resource management in an area prone to groundwater depletion and subsidence. By allowing the authority to manage both surface and groundwater supplies, the bill aims to facilitate compliance with existing subsidence district regulations and promote sustainable practices. Moreover, the authority can implement a groundwater reduction plan that will require reductions in groundwater withdrawals, thereby addressing long-term sustainability concerns.

Summary

SB1870, titled the West Fort Bend Water Authority Act, establishes a new regional water authority aimed at enhancing water supply and management in Fort Bend County, Texas. The authority is empowered to issue bonds, enforce groundwater reduction plans, and implement measures to conserve and allocate water resources effectively. This legislation is particularly relevant in the context of increasing population pressures and the corresponding demands on water resources in rapidly growing regions.

Contention

While there are significant benefits associated with the establishment of the authority, there are potential points of contention, particularly regarding the powers of eminent domain. The authority is granted the ability to acquire property necessary for its operations, which may raise concerns among property owners about potential loss of land. Furthermore, while the bill states that the authority cannot impose certain taxes, the funding mechanisms via user fees and charges placed on well owners could be perceived as financially burdensome by some stakeholders.