R85-23 10-14-85 RESOLUTION NO. R85-23
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ADOPTION OF THE NEW TEXAS
WATER PLAN AT THE NOVEMBER 5, 1985 CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENTS ELECTION.
WHEREAS, rapid economic expansion and population growth are
taxing the state's existing water resources to their limits; and to
meet the current and mid-term needs of the state will require the
construction of at least 44 new reservoirs, 200 major wastewater
treatment systems and scores of large-scale flood-control projects;
and
WHEREAS, city governments, which historically have borne the
major part of the responsibility for financing water resource
facilities, will be required to carry an even greater share in the
future due to reductions in federal aid; and
WHEREAS,
facilities that need to be
could approach $100 billion
of local governments to
the cumulative cost of the water resource
provided between now and the year 2030
-- an amount that far exceeds the ability
finance without state assistance; and
WHEREAS, the
Texas Water Plan that,
methodology for addressing
create a major new role for
solutions to those problems;
1985 Texas Legislature approved a new proposed
upon voter adoption, will establish a sound
the state's diverse water problems, and
state government in helping finance the
and
WHEREAS, the new Texas Water Plan will appear on the
November 5, 1985 statewide constitutional amendments ballot as
Amendment 1 and 2 and, if adopted, would:
(1)
(2)
Create a $400 million state fund to guarantee water
resource bonds issued by municipal governments, thus
saving city taxpayers tens of millions of dollars in
interest costs;
Allocate $400 million in funding for state
participation in the cost of oversize capacity of
reservoirs and other facilities that exceed immediate
local requirements, thus alleviating short-term
(3)
(4)
financial strains on local governments;
Authorize the issuance Of $580 million in state bonds
to be used for loans to cities and other local
governments, including $190 million for water supply
facilities, $190 million for wastewater projects and
$200 million for flood-control facilities; and
Establish a state loan fund to assist farmers with the
purchase of water-efficient irrigation equipment, and
provide state financing for agricultural water
conservation research programs; and
WHEREAS, state
adoption of Amendments 1
state's water resources
estuarine areas; providing
authorizing the creation
underground water supplies;
legislation that will be implemented upon
and 2 would enhance the preservation of the
by establishing safeguards for bays and
incentives for water conservation; and by
of voter-approved mechanisms to protect
and
WHEREAS, voter adoption of Amendments 1 and 2 is essential
to insure the state's future wellbeing and the continued prosperity Of
Texas cities;
NOW,
City of Pearland endorses
adeption by the citizens of
amendments election.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the
Amendments No. 1 and 2, and urges their
Pearland at the November 5 constitutional
ATTEST: