Committee adopts substitute broadening Post Oak Savannah GCD authority for roads and environmental programs funded by export fees

Senate Bill 3,058 (committee substitute) would update the enabling law for the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District to clarify the district's role in supporting environmental initiatives and road improvements that facilitate inspection and maintenance of wells.

Sponsor testimony explained the lack of explicit authority had limited the districts ability to partner with counties on road access and environmental improvements that are important for well inspection, monitoring and conservation work. The substitute clarified the district's authority to enter annually renewable agreements with counties, subject to majority board approval, and authorized the district to use export fees for specified improvements and environmental programs tied to groundwater conservation.

Gary Westbrook, general manager for Post Oak Savannah GCD, testified the district's board passed a resolution in support of the effort. County judges and officials from Milam and Burleson Counties described county road damage and maintenance needs after large pipeline and well projects, and they said clarified authority would help fund repairs and improve access for monitoring. County Judge Bill Whitmire and Burleson County Judge Keith Schroeder described growth pressures, road miles, and damage from pipelines and large well-rig operations.

The committee adopted the committee substitute, then voted 8-0 to report the measure favorably to the full Senate and recommended it for the local, noncontested calendar.

Next steps: the committee-reported substitute will proceed to the full Senate for consideration.