A closer look
Planning and Engineering Division Manager Kyle Pedigo gave a presentation detailing the project and process of applying for and receiving funding.
This project will increase the capacity of the water reclamation plant to 30 million gallons per day, modernize treatment processes, enhance nutrient removal and improve long-term reliability and compliance, according to city documents.
If approved, the $60 million loan will come from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides low-interest loans for wastewater and water-reclamation infrastructure and ensures compliance with environmental and financial standards, city documents state.
This program allows municipalities to fund upgrades at a lower cost than traditional bond financing with up to a 30-year repayment period.
The project is estimated to cost a total of $603 million, Pedigo said. Approximately $277 million will come from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, and the remainder will come from future Clean Water State Revolving Fund applications.
Quote of note
“I still believe access to water is going to be the next big civil rights issue going forward in the south and the southwest in the next 50 years, so with that I move we approve this resolution,” council member Brandon McGee said.
Next steps
The city will submit its completed application to the Texas Water Development Board on Dec. 4, Pedigo said.
Here’s a look at what happens next:
- Winter 2026: Texas Water Development Board staff will review the application.
- April 2026: The Texas Water Development Board will provide a letter of commitment if approved.
- Spring 2026: The Texas Water Development Board will sell the bond funds if approved.
- Summer 2026: The financial agreement will take place if approved.
