Texas Water Day 2008

Some 100 Texas water professionals once again joined forces February 6 to spread the word in Washington, DC, about top water issues in the Lone Star State. The fourth 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 56 regional, state, and federal organizations and private-sector entities. Support was provided by 26 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:

• Federal Funding of Texas Water Projects
• Funding for U.S. Geological Survey
• FEMA Funding for Floodplain Management & Dam and Levee Safety
• Controlling Invasive Aquatic Species
• Sustainable Water Supplies: Reuse, Conservation & Desalination
• Clean Renewable Water Supply Bonds
• Eminent Domain and Water Districts

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 Cong. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Cong. Chet Edwards, Cong. Kevin Brady, Cong. Ciro Rodriguez, Cong. Silvestre Reyes, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Brig. Gen. Don Rile. Also present were state officials, including the Honorable William Callegari, Texas House of Representatives; Leonard Olson, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; and Kevin Ward, Bill Mullican, Carolyn Britten, and Dave Mitamura, Texas Water Development Board.