Governor Abbott Requests Federal Funding For Flood And Water Infrastructure Projects
Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Administrator Scott Pruitt of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing his support for a request by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to streamline federal funding for flood and water infrastructure projects related to Hurricane Harvey.
"Texas has faced an unprecedented natural disaster, and quick action, flexibility and innovation are essential to keeping Texas and our economy strong," said Governor Abbott. "The seamless collaboration between the State of Texas and our federal partners has been imperative to allow these communities to rebuild and recover following Harvey's devastation. I am hopeful that the EPA will continue its commitment to getting Texans the resources they need to address the urgent needs that will allow for the immediate resolution to some of the most pressing water-related concerns."
"The TWDB believes that the SRF funds can provide a critical financing bridge between the immediate need for cities to restore their water and wastewater systems and the delivery of federal disaster aid," said Chairman Bech Bruun. "We appreciate EPA's consideration of this request to allow us to put these funds to work on this recovery as expeditiously as possible.
The TWDB administers EPA’s state revolving funds, which communities affected by Harvey can use to help finance all phases of water and wastewater projects, including projects related to stormwater infrastructure. The funding will provide timely financing that allows hurricane- and flood-stricken areas of Texas to rapidly repair and rebuild these critical systems and to ensure the future protection of these communities.