Texas Water Day 2007

More than 100 Texas water professionals once again joined forces February 7 to spread the word in Washington, DC, about top water issues in the Lone Star State. The third annual Texas Water Day was sponsored by the Texas Water Conservation Association and the Texas Water Development Board. All areas of Texas were represented by 59 regional, state, and federal organizations and private-sector entities. Support was provided by 31 sponsors.

Click here for photos of the events.

Groups fanned out across Capitol Hill to brief the Texas Congressional delegation and federal agencies about vital issues and ask for help on legislation. The Texas Water Day Planning Committee in association with the TWCA Federal Affairs Committee developed white papers on the major issues, including suggestions for action. Click here for the Summary Brief.

The specific issue papers support:

• Passage of the Water Resources Development Act
• Full funding for the USGS Cooperative Water Program and National Streamflow Information Program in Texas
• Funding for floodplain management and dam and levee safety
• Initiatives to control and eradicate invasive aquatic and riparian plants
• Funding for activities aimed at further developing brackish groundwater and seawater desalination technologies and opportunities
• Support for municipal and agricultural water conservation activities
• Funding to support water reuse initiatives
• Protection of water districts' ability to use eminent domain for necessary projects

Texas Water Day was preceded by a reception to which members and staff of the Texas delegation and federal water agencies were invited. Special guests included Sen. John Cornyn, Cong. Silvestre Reyes, Cong. John Carter, Cong. Louie Gohmert, IBWC Commissioner Carlos Marin, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Brig. Gen. Don Riley, and Interior Department Assistant Secretary for Water & Science Mark Limbaugh. Also present were state officials, including Leonard Olson, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and Bill Mullican and Dave Mitamura, Texas Water Development Board.