Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess participated in events supporting Texas Water Day coordinated by Texas Water Conservation Association and the Texas Water Development Board. The focus of the event is on spreading the word on Capitol Hill about pressing needs concerning water in Texas.

“I trust that my Texas colleagues have benefited as much as I have from today’s office visits,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “As we all know, water supply issues in the State of Texas and the nation present significant challenges ahead. To meet these challenges head on, we all need to support a local-state-federal partnership that can build on the incredible planning efforts of the regional water planning groups and the state.”

In 1997, the Texas Legislature passed innovative water planning management legislation, S.B. 1, which established a unique bottom-up regional approach to water planning of both surface and ground water resources. The Texas Water plan ensures that the state will have a comprehensive strategy to meet increasing demands on water supply, water infrastructure, and wastewater treatment as population grows.

Last year, Congress Burgess introduced The Integrated Water Resources Management Act, H.R. 1368, which sets forth the State of Texas' priorities for reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Currently, the Senate is debating WRDA.

E.G. Rod Pittman, Chairman of the Texas Water Development Board said “We appreciate Congressman Burgess' efforts to highlight Texas water issues, particularly in regards to reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. H.R. 1368 provides a concise and comprehensive summary of Texas' interests in partnering with the Corps of Engineers to meet the water challenges of the future.”

Specifically, Representative Michael Burgess’ legislation would:

• Allow the Corps to target federal technical assistance funds to State priority water management issues and better respond to state needs.

• Allow local entities to provide the required non-federal cost share for water projects through in-kind services rather than cash contributions.

• Allow Texas to take credit for its proactive efforts in regional water planning.

• Reduce the amount of time required for water project completion, which in turn, reduces the total cost of the project.

• Provide for possible reallocation of water storage, which could preclude the need for major water supply development in some circumstances.

• Establish a general authority for the Corps to assist state and local governments in planning, engineering, design, and construction of water supply, wastewater, water quality, and environmental projects.

• Give the Corps the flexibility that it needs to assist the State of Texas to implement the State Water Plan.

“Leveraging local, state and federal resources will ensure a reliable water supply to support a healthy economy and vibrant environment for our great State,” said Congressman Burgess. “Texas has established itself as a leader in water planning issues, and the Integrated Water Resources Management Act sets forth Texas' priorities for Water Resources Development Act reauthorization.”