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New Security Systems For ECISD
Water Quest Report: Path Of Senate Bill 4 02/28/13
CBS 7 News
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
February 28, 2013
TEXAS - Funding the water plan is a major focus for Texas lawmakers and a bill has been introduced to begin that process. Senate Bill 4, proposed by Senator Fraser will take $2-billion from the rainy day fund to establish a water fund to provide money for water projects. But with $58-billion in needed projects, what gets funded has yet to be decided.
Senate Bill 4 is currently in review by the senate natural resources committee. Just step 1 of 7.
"It's in the discussion phase and it is moving forward and it is going to be the big water bill," said Darrell Peckham, Hydrogeologist, Water Quest, Inc.
But writing out the formula for deciding who gets the funding is the task at hand.
"The biggest challenge of all is prioritizing projects as there are lot and lots of projects, determining which one to do first," said Peckham.
Peckham says the proposed bill includes everyone.
"There is some wording to make sure small entities are protected as well, a certain percentage are set aside for conservation projects, agricultural projects and rural projects," said Peckham.
Once the details are ironed out in committee, SB 4 will go before the senate for vote.
"Then sent to the house to approve or making changes, then they'll have a joint committee until the final wording is approved by both House and Senate," said Peckham.