Texas Senate Bill SB2437

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of the Texas Water Development Board to establish, operate, and, through the issuance of general obligation bonds, finance a grant program to provide financial assistance to political subdivisions and the state for projects related to disaster recovery; disaster mitigation; or construct, repair, rehabilitate, or reconstruct state or local infrastructure.

Impact

The implementation of SB2437 is set to amend existing water codes in relation to disaster recovery and mitigation efforts. By allowing the issuance of general obligation bonds, the bill aims to create a dedicated funding source for political subdivisions and state infrastructure projects that are deemed essential for effective disaster response and recovery. This new funding mechanism will assist municipalities and other qualifying bodies in not just recovering from disasters but also in enhancing their resilience against future occurrences.

Summary

SB2437 is a legislative act in Texas that grants the Texas Water Development Board the authority to establish and operate a grant program intended to provide financial assistance for disaster recovery and infrastructure projects. It facilitates the use of general obligation bonds to fund such initiatives aimed at restoring and improving state and local infrastructural integrity following disasters. The bill includes comprehensive definitions concerning relevant terms such as 'qualifying political subdivisions' and 'qualifying projects,' which guide its implementation.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2437 involves the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the mechanisms established to prioritize and approve projects. Critics may question whether the established criteria adequately address the varied needs of different communities particularly vulnerable to disasters. Further discussions may arise concerning the transparency and accountability of the Texas Water Development Board in administering the grant program, ensuring that funds distribute fairly and efficiently across significant projects.