Key Takeaways:
- Historic Investment: Texas voters approved a $20 billion plan to fund long-term water infrastructure, dedicating $1 billion annually from sales tax revenue between 2027 and 2047.
- Growth Meets Preparedness: With the state’s population expected to grow by over 22 million by 2070, the plan aims to expand water supplies, repair aging systems, and boost flood protection.
- Balancing Oversight and Freedom: While most Texans supported the measure, some conservative groups warned that constitutional earmarks reduce transparency, calling for open budgeting instead of automatic funding diversions.
Everything is bigger in Texas—including its ambition to solve problems before they become crises. This week, voters overwhelmingly approved a $20 billion infrastructure plan to secure the state’s water future, ensuring that the fastest-growing state in America doesn’t run dry.
The measure creates a constitutional amendment dedicating $1 billion per year from state sales tax revenue between 2027 and 2047 to build new water supply sources, fix aging systems, and improve flood protection. It passed with sweeping bipartisan support—proof that when it comes to Texas priorities, water is right at the top.
“We need to build water supplies for a drought-prone growing state, fix failing systems, and build flood protection,” said Jeremy Mazur of Texas 2036. “It reflects that voters are concerned about water. They recognize the need to support water.”
Texas’ population is expected to grow by more than 22 million by 2070, while water supply could drop 18 percent. Lawmakers, led by Gov. Greg Abbott, are determined to get ahead of that curve. The Texas Water Development Board will oversee projects ranging from new reservoirs and desalination plants to repairing leaking pipes and managing flood risk.
Not everyone is on board with the funding method. Groups like Texas Policy Research and the Dallas County Republican Party argue that constitutional earmarks reduce transparency and tie lawmakers’ hands, calling instead for open budgeting.
Still, the message from Texas voters is clear: leadership means planning for growth, not panicking after the fact. In a state known for self-reliance, this isn’t big government—it’s smart governance.