"If you do not have adequate water, you have to limit yourself in the kind of companies that you bring to your town, which could limit the opportunity for higher-paid jobs for our citizens and our community," McLennan County Judge Felton stated in support of the CTWA.
CTWA Facts: • It is a regional water authority • It will not have taxing authority • It will be located in the counties identified in the enabling legislation • It is a nonprofit corporation to act on behalf of local government • Its founding sponsors are Bell and McLennan Counties, Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District, and the Bell County WCID #1 • It will finance projects using bonds or other revenue- based obligations financing and would be eligible for grants and loans Over time, as more information about the Alliance becomes available, the CTWA will have multiple participants and members. Water purveyors, cities, water districts, and others with water local interests, from several central Texas counties, including Bell, McLennan, Falls, Milam, Coryell, and Lampasas, have expressed interest in joining the Alliance.
During the latest session of the Texas Legislature, a new regional water alliance was established to facilitate the cooperative development and regional use of necessary water- supply projects. The Central Texas Water Alliance (CTWA) is a subdivision of the State of Texas and was created by the 89th Texas Legislature with the ability to develop water-supply, undertake regional water-supply projects, transport water, and plan, develop, build and operate water-supply systems and wastewater treatment facilities. Senate Bill 1194 (SB 1194) establishes the CTWA “to help local governments and water districts work together in meeting long-term water needs through cooperation—not bureaucracy,” said State Rep. David Spiller, serving Texas District 68. “With the Governor’s signature, this legislation is now in effect, ensuring Central Texas is better prepared to manage and deliver water resources efficiently and responsibly for generations to come.” The CTWA recently began its governance efforts. Following the statutory requirements of SB 1194, a Board of Directors has been established, bylaws initially approved, and initial guidelines on CTWA Membership (Sponsor) were approved. Sponsors can include local government as well as private entities. Non-voting membership categories for Affiliate and Ex Officio participants have also been established. The current Board Members are Judge David Blackburn of Bell County, Judge Scott Felton of McLennan County, Dirk Aaron, former manager of the Clearwater Groundwater Conservation District, and Rick Garrett, the General Manager of Bell County WCID #1. The Brazos River Authority is an important supporting, ex officio member.
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