House Bill 3,898 took center stage at the Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs meeting on May 23, 2025, as lawmakers discussed its potential to reshape water resource management in border counties. The bill, introduced by Representative Richard Pena Raymond, aims to empower the Texas Water Development Board to provide financial assistance for brackish water desalination projects in counties with populations over 250,000 that are located on international borders.

The urgency of the bill stems from the pressing water shortages faced by communities along the Rio Grande, particularly in Webb, El Paso, and Cameron Counties. Current law restricts state funding to projects outlined in the State Water Plan, leaving many areas vulnerable as they rely solely on the Rio Grande for drinking water. "Communities need to develop brackish water resources to meet their current and future drinking water needs," Raymond emphasized during the meeting.

However, the proposal has sparked significant debate. Adam Foster, executive director of the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, voiced opposition, arguing that bypassing the established regional and state water planning process could lead to uncoordinated and fragmented water resource development. "Any project seeking public financial support should follow the state's long-established planning framework," he stated, highlighting concerns over the integrity of regional water management.

Supporters of the bill, including David Earle from the Legacy Water Supply Corporation, countered that immediate action is necessary due to the dire situation in Webb County, where over 300,000 residents could face severe water rationing without new desalination projects. Earle pointed out that the current allocation of water is insufficient for the population's needs, exacerbated by treaty violations and ongoing drought conditions.

As the committee deliberates, the future of House Bill 3,898 remains uncertain. If passed, it could pave the way for critical funding to address water shortages in border communities, but it also raises questions about the balance between immediate needs and long-term planning in Texas's water management strategy. The committee's decision could have lasting implications for water resource development across the state.