Experts Discuss Texas' Long Term Water Future
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: December 7, 2011
MIDLAND -- Billions of dollars: Experts say that's the price tag of ensuring our future has sufficient drinkable water.
Dr. Robert Mace, with the Texas Water Development Board, met with political leaders at the Petroleum club in Midland Tuesday to talk drought plans.
Mace says this drought is far from over, and has the potential to become a multi-year problem.
Mace says it's going to cost the lone-star state more than $50 billion in new water infrastructure to solve this issue, and ensure West Texas has enough drinking water for years to come.
But both Mace and State Senator Kel Seliger say that number is small compared to what would happen if nothing was done.
"Does it scare me, no, " said Texas Senator Seliger, "Do I find it daunting, yes.One because its alot of money, and two, it all has to come from the citizens of the state of Texas from one way or another.So its something to be taken very very seriously"
Financing for this new drought plan will come from sales bonds, local initiatives, and federal assistance.
Dr. Robert Mace, with the Texas Water Development Board, met with political leaders at the Petroleum club in Midland Tuesday to talk drought plans.
Mace says this drought is far from over, and has the potential to become a multi-year problem.
Mace says it's going to cost the lone-star state more than $50 billion in new water infrastructure to solve this issue, and ensure West Texas has enough drinking water for years to come.
But both Mace and State Senator Kel Seliger say that number is small compared to what would happen if nothing was done.
"Does it scare me, no, " said Texas Senator Seliger, "Do I find it daunting, yes.One because its alot of money, and two, it all has to come from the citizens of the state of Texas from one way or another.So its something to be taken very very seriously"
Financing for this new drought plan will come from sales bonds, local initiatives, and federal assistance.
