Landgraf steps in to aid Odessa on water issues
May 16—AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) discussed available state funding assistance for city water infrastructure with officials from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) on Wednesday following two recent water outages in his hometown of Odessa.
"In light of Odessans again being left without water, I want to step in and make sure that TWDB is aware of our situation, and that local leaders are aware of what state funding mechanisms might be available to assist the City of Odessa in repairing and replacing aging water pipelines," Landgraf said.
Although water infrastructure is a municipal matter, TWDB Chairwoman Brooke Paup indicated that cities can be eligible for assistance through three state funding options: State Revolving Funds (SRFs); the SWIFT Fund; and the Development Fund, which is primarily used for emergency projects. The agency offered to meet with the city to go over the most suitable funding mechanism for Odessa's needs.
"I appreciate Chairwoman Paup and the staff at the development board for prioritizing Odessans today," Landgraf continued. "I have and will continue to support innovative solutions to offer state financing options that will meet the state's long-term water needs while still protecting Texas taxpayers. As state representative, I'll do everything I can to help Odessa get the resources it needs to fix the pipes and ensure we always remain the heartbeat of the Permian Basin."
In 2023, Landgraf sponsored Proposition 6, a landmark initiative allocating $1 billion to the Texas Water Fund, a critical investment in addressing Texas water needs. This fund, administered by the Texas Water Development Board, will provide financing for essential water projects, from supply development to infrastructure repair. With this significant infusion of funding, communities across Texas will have the resources needed to modernize aging and dilapidated water systems, enhance conservation efforts, and bolster resilience against drought and other water-related challenges.
