87R10818 JAM-D

By: Larson H.B. No. 3084

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the identification of and funding for interregional water projects.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 16.052, Water Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 16.052. INTERREGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL. (a) The board[, at an appropriate time in each five-year cycle for the adoption of a new state water plan,] shall appoint an interregional planning council. The members of the council serve at the pleasure of the board [until a new state water plan is adopted].

(b) The council consists of one member of each regional water planning group. Each regional water planning group shall nominate one or more members for appointment to the council, and the board shall consider the nominations in making appointments to the council. Members of the council shall select one member as presiding officer.

(c) The purposes of the council are to:

(1) improve coordination among the regional water planning groups, and between each regional water planning group and the board, in meeting the goals of the state water planning process and the water needs of the state as a whole;

(2) facilitate dialogue regarding water management strategies that could affect multiple regional water planning areas; [and]

(3) identify and propose water projects for the state water plan that involve multiple water planning areas;

(4) develop proposals for innovative funding mechanisms for projects identified under Subdivision (3); and

(5) share best practices regarding operation of the regional, interregional, and state water planning processes [process].

(d) The council shall:

(1) hold at least one public meeting; and

(2) prepare a report to the board on the council's work, including projects and funding methods proposed under Subsections (c)(3) and (4).

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.