(Courtesy photo)
Special to the NEWS
Immediately following the 89th Texas Legislative Session, State Representative Janie Lopez (R-HD 37) of San Benito convened a series of regional workshops to address urgent water infrastructure challenges and share opportunities for future planning and funding.
The first workshop took place in Cameron County, with a second set for Willacy County, reflecting Rep. Lopez’s commitment to proactive engagement across House District 37.
These workshops, held in coordination with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), focused on the pillars of science, planning, and financing. TWDB experts detailed how water needs are evaluated through population projections, water quality assessments, and advanced mapping.
Long-term regional planning was emphasized, as each of Texas’s 16 water regions creates 50-year plans to prepare for drought, meet growing demand, and mitigate flooding. Financing opportunities—grants and low-interest loans, some of which require no local match—were also highlighted.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve made water infrastructure one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Lopez. “In the 89th Legislative Session, we secured over $47 million in funding for Brownsville alone to support major water infrastructure upgrades, marking another milestone in strengthening our region. This builds on efforts from the 88th Legislative Session, where we made history by securing dedicated state funding for water and drainage infrastructure for the first time. That same session, we also delivered resources to the Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation and the Laguna Madre Water District to help address long-standing needs in rural and coastal communities.”
A press release from Lopez’s office noted that, thanks to Senate Bill 7, a legislation jointly authored and strongly supported by Lopez, the 89th Session delivered even more, allocating over $1 billion in new funds for statewide water projects, with an additional $1 billion expected in future sessions.
“These funds will help local communities secure clean drinking water, upgrade systems, and address drainage needs. However, voter approval will be required on the November ballot to authorize this continued investment,” the statement read.
“These workshops are about making sure our communities—especially local leaders—know what’s available and how to access it,” said Rep. Lopez. “Water is essential. Our region faces both drought and flooding with just an inch of rain. Our sugarcane farmers have already shut down due to a lack of water, and protecting our agricultural economy and drinking water supply must remain a top priority.”
Rep. Lopez also extended deep thanks to Speaker Dustin Burrows, Chairman Cody Harris, Senator Charles Perry, and Chairman Greg Bonnen, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, for their leadership and vision in advancing water solutions for the state of Texas.
Special acknowledgments were also extended to the local officials who participated in these workshops, including the Willacy County Judge, Cameron County representatives, county commissioners, drainage districts, and water suppliers from across the region.
“These workshops are not just about education—they’re about action,” said Rep. Lopez. “We’re taking what we passed at the Capitol and bringing it home to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
For more information on funding opportunities or upcoming workshops, contact Rep. Lopez’s district office at (956) 742-6177.
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