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Earlier this month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the need for a “Texas-sized” investment towards the state’s water infrastructure needs. In declaring an emergency item in his State of the State address, the Governor called for a “generational investment” – “the largest investment in water

in the history of Texas” – to “put Texas on a path to have plenty of water for the next 50 years.” The Governor’s call for action echoes similar calls for water investment from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows.

These calls to address our long-term water needs couldn’t come at a better time. Texas faces two long- term water infrastructure challenges. First, we must expand our water supply portfolio for a drought- prone and growing state. Second, and equally as important, Texas must address the problem of aging,

deteriorating, and leaking drinking water and wastewater systems that are becoming liabilities to the communities that they serve.

The continuation of Texas’ economic miracle depends on the reliability of our water infrastructure. Given its importance to future growth and prosperity, the Legislature and state leaders have the historic opportunity to dedicate a portion of existing state revenues towards addressing Texas’ long-term water infrastructure challenges.

The following organizations support investing in our state’s water infrastructure, including  the creation of a long-term, dedicated revenue stream for water. If approved in 2025, this revenue stream would provide the Texas-sized investment needed to secure both Texas’ water future and the continued promise of the Texas Economic Miracle.