Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

_______________ N ATURAL
/Water
ATURAL RESOURCES/Water
77 th Texas Legislature
Texas Water Development Board (Sunset) - S.B. 312
by Senator Zaffirini
House Sponsor: Representative Chisum
Implements the Sunset Advisory Commission's recommendations for the Texas Water Development Board
(board).
Sets out legislative findings regarding colonias (economically distressed subdivisions found throughout
those counties located within 50 miles of the Texas international border) and finds that creating a program
to provide public funds to nonprofit organizations for self-help projects will help reduce public health
problems and encourage the development and diversification of the economy.
Changes the dates on which the board is subject to review under the Texas Sunset Act to provide that the
board shall be reviewed during the period in which state agencies abolished in 2013 and every 12th year
after 2013 are reviewed.
Requires the board to meet annually with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs board
or its successor to assess the agencies' progress in meeting the needs of colonia residents and receive an
update and recommendations from the Colonia Initiatives Advisory Committee.
Permits the use of the agricultural soil and water conservation fund for grants made to political subdivisions
for certain equipment purchases.
Permits the use of the state water pollution control revolving fund to provide financial assistance to persons
for certain nonpoint source pollution control and abatement projects. Also authorizes the board to establish
a separate account in the fund to be used solely for providing financial assistance to persons for nonpoint
source pollution control and abatement and sets out the sources of money for the fund. The board must
adopt regarding eligibility and the terms of assistance for persons receiving financial assistance from the
account.
Modifies provisions regarding hydrographic surveys by the board to permit the board to perform such
survey for an agency of this or a neighboring state or a federal agency. Clarifies that the survey may be in
or outside of Texas if the information collected will benefit Texas. Also permits a survey to collect
information relating to water-bearing formations
Establishes Pilot Program for Water and Wastewater Loans for Rural Communities.
Establishes the Colonia Self-Help Program.
Authorizes the executive administrator, on behalf of the Texas Natural Resources Information System
(TNRIS), to enter into partnerships with private entities to provide additional funding for improved access to
TNRIS information. The board must adopt necessary administrative rules regarding such partnerships that
comply with all applicable laws regarding ethics, purchasing, and contracts.
Senate Research Center 235