After years of drought, the 83rd Legislature saw lawmakers take the initial steps to confronting the state's water needs.

Now, Texans must decide whether or not that plan will be funded.

Proposition 6, one of nine proposed constitutional amendments, would draw $2 billion from the so-called Rainy Day Fund, the state's savings account, to set up the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, or SWIFT, and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund.

According to proponents of the amendment, use of state savings is warranted because of the emergency situation presented by the drought, which could put into question the state's economic health.

Opponents say drawing money from the Rainy Day Fund could affect the state's credit rating and leave it vulnerable in the event of an emergency.

If the amendment passes, the Texas Water Development Board would oversee the use of those funds on various projects aimed at ensuring the state has ample water for years to come.

"Is it the answer to all of the state's water problems?" Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant asked. "No, but it is a very positive beginning. This is at least a legislative initiative that provides a workable opportunity for beginning to address those circumstances."

Among the first steps in addressing the water needs of Central Texas is creating a coalition of counties to oversee the management of water resources in the region, Whisenant said.

A project the SWIFT could help finance in Hays County would create pipeline infrastructure needed to transmit water from point to point, he said.

But that initiative isn't necessarily contingent on the passage of Proposition 6, Whisenant added.

Regional leaders will also look to form the coalition one way or another, he said.

Combined with the water plan passed in the legislative session, the amendment will create a revolving loan program governmental entities such as Hays County could use to finance local water projects.

"The plan is a plan until it's funded," Hays County Judge Bert Cobb said. "This is an important step. ... It's a plan where the money is paid back and, as it's paid back, other projects are funded."

Early voting began on Oct. 21 and continues through Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 5. For early voting and Election Day locations and times, visit the Hays County website.

Editor Brett Thorne contributed to this story.