BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2285
81R8946 TRH-F By: Lucio
International Relations & Trade
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has acknowledged the need to provide financial assistance to residences in economically distressed areas for initial connections to water and wastewater services. The expense of initial connections is currently the responsibility of communities or individuals, however, there are some communities that cannot afford to provide initial connections for economically distressed people, leaving the financial burden on the individuals who likewise cannot afford the costs of initial connections.
This situation leaves many individuals who qualify for financial assistance for other water services through programs like the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP), and Colonia Wastewater Treatment Assistance programs unable to receive services that are necessary to maintain public health standards.
As proposed, S.B. 2285 authorizes TWDB to use funds from the economically distressed areas account to provide financial assistance for the initial connection of private residences to ensure that the residences receive full water and wastewater services.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter K, Chapter 17, Water Code, by adding Section 17.9225, as follows:
Sec. 17.9225. RESIDENTIAL WATER AND SEWER CONNECTION ASSISTANCE. (a) Provides that the legislature finds that, due to public health and sanitation concerns, it is in the public interest to use funds in the economically distressed areas account to provide financial assistance for the costs associated with the initial connection to public water supply and sanitary sewer systems of residences that otherwise benefit from financial assistance.
(b) Authorizes a political subdivision to use financial assistance to pay the costs of connecting a residence to a public water supply system constructed with financial assistance, the costs of installing yard water service connections, the costs of installing indoor plumbing facilities and fixtures, the costs of connecting a residence to a sanitary sewer system constructed with financial assistance, necessary connection and permit fees, and necessary costs related to the design of plumbing improvements described by this subsection.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2009.