SRC-PNG C.S.S.B. 898 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 898
76R10217 SMJ-DBy: Brown
Natural Resources
3/25/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, under Texas law, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is
authorized to use the water loan assistance fund to provide grants for
projects that supply water and wastewater services in economically
distressed areas.  However, TWDB has received numerous requests for grants
to implement agricultural water conservation, weather modification, brush
control projects, and the production of water in connection with an oil and
gas operation. This bill would authorize the use of the water loan
assistance fund to provide grants for  agricultural water conservation
projects, weather modification projects, brush control projects, and the
production of water in connection with an oil or gas operation, if the
legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 898 authorizes grants from the water loan assistance
fund for certain projects. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 15.102(b), Water Code, to authorize the Water
Development Board (board) to use the water loan assistance fund to provide
grants for projects that include the provision of, rather than supplying,
water and wastewater services in economically distressed areas and for
agricultural water conservation projects, weather modification projects,
brush control projects,  and the production of water in connection with an
oil or gas operation, if the legislature appropriates money specifically
for that purpose. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.
Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. 

Amends Section 15.102(b), Water Code, to authorize the board to use the
water loan assistance fund to provide grants for the production of water in
connection with an oil or gas operation, if the legislature appropriates
money specifically for that purpose.