Austin, TX — Representative Erin Zwiener came prepared for budget day at the Capitol with her constituents’ concerns in mind. She laid out one amendment, HB 1, the state budget, in what historically has proven to be the longest day on the House Floor each session.
The Representative’s floor amendment addressed the need for structural repairs to high-hazard dams in Texas. As of 2018, 611 of the constructed dams in Texas are classified as “high-hazard,” which means there is potential for loss of life if the dam fails. 488 of these high hazard dams were designed and built as low-hazard and need to be upgraded to meet current high hazard criteria because of urban development.
Rep. Zwiener argued that the state should provide another $3.6 million for upgrading and repairing dams, funds that would be likely matched 2:1 by federal dollars.
“Within Hays County, there are 6 high hazard dams currently in need of repair and in the last 6 years alone an average of 21 dams per year have been reclassified from low hazard to high hazard in Texas,” said Representative Zwiener. “It’s important that the state of Texas acknowledge that as these dams age, the cost for maintenance and repair is rising rapidly. Meanwhile, urban development is occurring both upstream and downstream of these dams and lives and public infrastructure are at risk,” she added.
The average cost of dam rehabilitation is 3 million. Since 2004, rehabilitation has been completed on about 2 dams per year. This rehabilitation rate means the number of high-hazard dams is increasing every year. In House District 45, most of the dams in need of repair or upgrading are in Plum Creek watershed in the Kyle area. Rep. Zwiener’s amendment was accepted into Article XI of the budget and will go to conference committee.
Background:
House Bill 1, the General Appropriations Act (better known as the state budget), is the only legislation that the state is constitutionally required to pass each session.
Erin Zwiener is an author, educator, and conservationist. As a fifth generation Texan, she is committed to bringing her values of healthy communities, inclusivity, and common-sense government to the Texas Legislature. Erin was a three-time Jeopardy! champion in 2012 and lives in Driftwood with her husband. Erin and Quincy are also new parents to baby Lark.
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I am so proud that Hays and Blanco counties finally have a State Representative who uses her office to author and support legislation that directly influences our local land, water, air and benefit citizens' lives.
We have for too many years been 'represented' by politicians who used their offices to please their money donors, not the people who live here. We have seen them support destructive land use practices, bolster outdated ideologies and to push discrimination against citizens, not raise up their lives and lands.
Hays and Blanco have turned a corner, and have a State Rep we can brag about.
Thank you, Representative Zwiener!