Sen. Cruz, Reps. Johnson, Sessions, Ratcliffe Introduce North Texas Water Supply Security Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced the North Texas Water Supply Security Act which will ensure prompt resolution of any litigation brought to challenge the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir Project in order to make certain that the project can be completed in a timely manner. Reps. Sam Johnson (R-Texas), Pete Sessions (R-Texas), John Ratcliffe (R-Texas), and Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 4423.

“I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues from North Texas,” Sen. Cruz said. “For far too long, bureaucratic red tape has left projects like Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir unfinished. By eliminating those delays, this bill will help address the looming water crisis facing North Texas and provide certainty to Texas’ water supply.”

“North Texas is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, but with this blessing comes new challenges – including water,” Rep. Johnson said. “Without the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek reservoir, our region will not have the water it needs in just a few years. This is serious. Folks could experience severe water shortages that would impact their everyday lives. For instance, things as simple as turning on the kitchen faucet could be in jeopardy. The good news is that this spring, thanks to a bipartisan effort I proudly led, our local water district received its permit to begin construction. While we finally broke ground on the much-needed reservoir in late May, the deadline to finish this project remains critical. Folks can’t afford any delays. That’s why Reps. Sessions, Ratcliffe, and Hensarling joined me in introducing H.R. 4423. I thank Senator Cruz for championing this fight in the Senate, and I look forward to the completion of the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir.  Clean, reliable water is something all Americans want, need, and deserve.”

“I am glad to see this important step taken towards ensuring our communities have access to the water resources they need to continue to thrive and grow,” Rep. Sessions said. “The Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir is a critical infrastructure project for North Texans and if we do not see this completed in a timely manner millions of folks in the region could face higher prices, lack of water supply, and extreme rationing. I look forward to continuing to work with the North Texas delegation and Senator Cruz to see this critical project through to completion.”

“With booming population growth in Northeast Texas, we can’t afford to allow any more bureaucratic delays to the construction of the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir, which is vital to ensuring we meet our increasing water needs,” Rep. Ratcliffe said. “I’m proud to be working with Senator Cruz and my fellow Northeast Texas Representatives on legislation that will strip away the red tape that’s been getting in the way of this important project for far too long.”