The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has approved over $3 billion in financing for water and wastewater projects across the state. This funding aims to enhance water infrastructure, improve flood mitigation efforts, and ensure a reliable water supply.
The TWDB, responsible for water data collection, regional water and flood planning, and providing financial aid for related construction projects, will allocate the funds through the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
Major Funding
Among the significant allocations, the Brazosport Water Supply Corporation in Brazoria County will receive $747.5 million, the largest share of this funding round. This investment will support the Harris Expansion Project, an off-channel reservoir designed to nearly triple the storage capacity of the existing Harris Reservoir. Proposed by Dow Chemical, this project aims to secure a more reliable water supply during droughts for industrial and community use. The new reservoir will be constructed on a 2,500-acre site and include a new intake and pump station along the Brazos River.
Corpus Christi Seawater Desalination Plant
Corpus Christi will benefit from a $535.1 million allocation to support a seawater desalination plant. This facility, backed by multiyear financing from the SWIFT program, is set to enhance the city’s water supply capabilities. The $757 million Inner Harbor Ship Channel plant will generate potable water, integrating with the regional water system. Initially, it will produce 20 million gallons per day, with the potential to expand to 30 million gallons per day. The city has shortlisted three design-build teams for this project: Acciona Agua/MasTec, CDM Smith/PLW Water, and Kiewit.
Other Allocations
The TWDB has also earmarked substantial funds for other regional projects, including:
- $482.8 million to the Upper Trinity Regional Water District in Denton County for two projects.
- $320 million to the Coastal Water Authority in Harris County.
- $200 million to the Palo Pinto County Municipal Water District No. 1, based in Dallas.
- $195.8 million to the City of Denton in Denton County.
- $138 million to the Alliance Regional Water Authority in Hays County.
- $125 million to the City of Fort Worth in Tarrant County.
- $90.5 million to the City of Greenville in Hunt County.
- $87.8 million to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority in Guadalupe County.
- $47.2 million for two projects in Austin, Travis County.
- $24.9 million to the Canyon Regional Water Authority in Comal County.
- $16 million to the Bistone Municipal Water Supply District in Limestone County.
- $11.4 million to the City of Marshall in Harrison County.
- $10 million to the Laguna Madre Water District in Cameron County.
These investments underscore the TWDB’s commitment to enhancing Texas’s water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable water management for the future.
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