AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 13, 2023) – A new report identifies multiple water infrastructure projects in Texas that are at risk of being delayed or canceled if Congress approves the House FY24 appropriations bill. The American Business Water Coalition (ABWC) today released the findings of a study that illustrates the risks to thriving business, job creation and local economic growth by identifying the specific water infrastructure projects and regions that will be impacted should the FY24 House Interior-Environment Appropriations bill and its historic cuts to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) be signed into law.
Leading examples of at-risk water infrastructure projects that would support the local economy in key regions across Texas’ 12thCongressional District include:
1. Fort Worth’s replacement of approximately 1,200 known customer-owned lead service lines and known galvanized service lines requiring replacement
2. Springtown’s installation of smart water meters and repair of leaking water mains
3. Parker County Special Utility District’s (SUD) construction of a second water treatment plant in its water system
4. Parker County SUD’s development of a brackish water well to augment the district’s source water for treatment at its existing desalination water treatment plant
5. Millsap Water Supply Corporation’s installation of generators at pump stations, supervisory control and data acquisitions at pump stations, new water lines, master meter and office and to lop existing distribution lines
To view all of the projects at risk, please visit www.businesswatercoalition.com/reports/texas for the report in its entirety.
“Should the House Appropriations bill pass, including its draconian funding cuts to SRF programs, we would see a disastrous effect on water infrastructure funding that will trickle down to impact the economic health of local Texas communities,” said Mae Stevens, chief executive officer of ABWC. “Our new report highlights the important water projects at great risk in Texas. Water-related crises are wreaking havoc on a daily basis across the country. Congress must fully fund our nation’s water infrastructure, and not pinch pennies on programs that every American and the entire economy rely on.”
It is estimated that restoring the country’s water system to meet the needs of the population will cost at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years. Without a dramatic increase in federal investment, every business and community in America is at risk.
