AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Houston and Dallas mayors have told lawmakers that they support a proposed $2 billion fund to finance water projects across the state.
Houston Mayor Annise Parker told the House Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday that using money from the Rainy Day Fund to create a water development bank would help cities build new projects. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings called on lawmakers to reduce the permitting process to make it easier and cheaper to build new water resources.
The State Water Development Board says Texans need to spend $53 billion over the next 50 years to make sure the state has enough water for a growing population. Committee Chairman Alan Ritter has proposed a $2 billion revolving fund that he says can finance those needs.
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