AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas Senate’s bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 28, Addressing Texas’ Future Water Needs, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock:

“As Texas’ economy grows and leads America into the 21st century, our state’s water needs will outpace our supply. Additionally, the Texas Water Development Board estimates that 70% of our water line infrastructure is nearing, at, or beyond the end of its life expectancy.

“SB 28 is one of my top priorities because Texas cannot wait to address this growing problem. Due to our unprecedented budget surplus, the time is now for us to make this investment in our future.”

SB 28, by Sen. Charles Perry, creates a constitutionally dedicated Texas Water Fund which includes the New Water Supply for Texas Fund. The Texas Water Fund will be used to funnel infrastructure dollars to existing state programs, while the New Water Supply for Texas Fund will provide loans to develop or acquire new water in Texas.