Implementation

Implementation Phases

The Texas Water Backbone follows a phased implementation approach:

Phase 1: Authorization (Year 0-1)

• Legislative creation of Texas Backbone Authority
• Initial funding authorization
• Board appointment and organization
• Preliminary engineering studies

Phase 2: Planning & Permitting (Year 1-3)

• Detailed route engineering
• Environmental impact assessment
• Federal and state permit applications
• Land acquisition negotiations
• Desalination plant site selection

Phase 3: Construction (Year 3-8)

• Pipeline corridor construction (segmented)
• Pumping station construction
• ASR facility development
• Desalination plant construction (private partners)
• Testing and commissioning

Phase 4: Operations (Year 8+)

• Initial water deliveries
• Capacity ramp-up
• Performance monitoring
• Expansion planning as demand grows

Legislative Path

Creating the Texas Backbone Authority requires:

1. Enabling legislation: Establishes TBA, defines powers and governance
2. Funding authorization: Authorizes TWDB financing, revenue bonds
3. Regulatory framework: Sets rate-setting procedures, accountability

Permitting & Approvals

Major permits and approvals required:

Permitting can proceed in parallel with final engineering to minimize timeline.

Construction Timeline

This timeline is aggressive but achievable with political will and adequate funding.

What Happens Next

Immediate priorities:

1. Build legislative support for TBA creation
2. Conduct stakeholder engagement across regions
3. Advance preliminary engineering studies
4. Develop detailed financing plan

How you can help:

• Legislators: Review the proposal package, sponsor enabling legislation
• Municipal officials: Express support, participate in planning
• Citizens: Contact your representatives, spread awareness

The Texas Water Backbone is technically feasible, financially sound, and urgently needed. What’s required now is the political will to act.