AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers have given final approval to an overhaul of the Texas Water Development Board as the state grapples with how to manage water resources amid drought and a rapidly growing population.
Monday’s vote sends the bill to Gov, Rick Perry, who had urged lawmakers to pass a new $2 billion fund to provide low-interest loans for water projects such as reservoirs and pipelines. Lawmakers have yet to vote on how to fund the project with just one week left in the session.
The bill changes the water development board, cutting the number of members in half and requiring regions to prioritize projects.
The overhaul only takes effect if Texas voters in November approve creating the new water fund, which would be called the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas.