WEDNESDAY TOP NEWS LINKS:
Video: KRIV 26 News
Laurie Johnson, KUHF Public Radio
Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill to create a new funding mechanism for water supply projects in Texas. The state faces a water shortage as the population increases while water sources dry up.
HB4 creates a $2 billion fund for water supply projects, pending voter approval this November.
Gov. Rick Perry says the legislation will lower the cost of issuing bonds and provide the seed money to launch up to $30 billion worth of water projects over the next 50 years.
“We’re securing the future of our great state by making sure that Texas has the water it needs for decades to come.”
Texas Speaker of the House Joe Strauss represents San Antonio, where water supply and conservation are significant concerns. Strauss says the legislature made this bill a top priority.
“Because we have all seen the devastating effects that severe drought can have on our farms, on our communities and really on our entire economy. In addition, we know that a reliable supply of water will help us remain the leading state in the nation for job creation.”
(Read & listen to more of this story at KUHF Public Radio)
RELATED STORIES:
• A Brief History of the Texas Water Plan (State Impact Texas)
• After Texas Lawmakers Go Home, What’s Next for Water? (Texas Tribune)
• Texas Water Plan Being Questioned by Court (Texas Tribune)
LOCAL AREA HEADLINES:
- Justice Department seeks more information on North Forest closure (Chron.com)
- Why A Houston Leukemia Doctor Is Calling Out Drug Companies (KUHF Public Radio)
- How More Schools Are Turning To Security Guards For Safety (KUHF Public Radio)
- First Texas case of West Nile in 2013 reported north of Houston (Chron.com)
- Teens save Houston boy, 4, from drowning at Baytown waterpark (Chron.com)
- One life jacket on sunken boat, friends make hard choice off Galveston (Chron.com)
- Day care says toddler injured in accident, parents want to see proof (KHOU 11 News)
- Call to Houston Motel 6 leads to class-action lawsuit under ADA (Chron.com)
STATE HEADLINES:
- Mostyn Announces $135 Million TWIA Settlement (Texas Tribune)
- Craddick Faults Nichols Over Texting-While-Driving Bill (Texas Tribune)
- Gov. Perry signs legislation for veterans and surviving military spouses (Your Houston News)
- Nike Deals Financial Blow to Austin’s Livestrong Foundation (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
NATION & WORLD:
- Nearly 40 percent of mothers are now the family breadwinners, report says (Washington Post)
- Supreme Court Declines Review Of Planned Parenthood Case (NPR)
- Gun Makers Saw No Role in Curbing Improper Sales (New York Times)
- Extreme Weather: Bracing for More Dangerous Weather (ABC News)
- Gulf Coast States Get Creative With BP Oil Spill Money (NPR)
