State Rep. Cody Harris introduces bill to improve water across Texas
An East Texas State Representative has introduced a bill that would create a fund aimed at improving water across the state of Texas.
State Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) has introduced the legislation, HB 1400 which would create a groundwater science, research and innovation fund administered by the Texas Water Development Board.
Harris said East Texas is facing old, rural water systems that cannot afford to keep up with demand and maintenance causing the loss of water through leaking pipes, that is why it is crucial to provide the resources needed for water conservation.
As the state continues to grow, Harris said it is vital to make future plans to ensure Texas has water for future generations. “If we can solve the equation of making water desalination economical, than we have solved the problem for hundreds of years in Texas,” Harris said
Money from the fund will be given to projects designed to improve understanding of local groundwater conditions, increase water conservation efforts and protect groundwater quality.
“I am very confident, especially since the Governor has made this an emergency item, that we will come out with something that will benefit the state of Texas, including East Texas,” Harris said.
The second step of the plan is Harris and Senator Charles Perry working on a $3 billion bill to provide resources necessary for existing infrastructure systems and identifying future sources of water.