"AUSTIN, Tex. — There is usually no shortage of controversial and politically divisive issues for lawmakers to address in the opening days of a state legislative session, from abortion to immigration to gun rights. But throughout the opening of the 83rd Texas Legislature last week, one of the most frequently discussed topics had bipartisan support: improving the state’s water infrastructure as the population booms and a devastating two-year drought drags on."
"Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and other Republicans proposed tapping an emergency fund that is fed by taxes on oil production to finance the building of new reservoirs and other projects identified in the state’s 50-year water plan, an unusual move in a state where fiscal conservatives usually push to streamline government and limit spending."
Manny Fernandez reports for the New York Times January 12, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"Army Corps' Options Dwindle Along With Mississippi River" (NPR)
"From Corn Belt To Main Street: The Drought's Far-Reaching Grasp" (NPR)
"Drought Imperils Winter Wheat Crop in Kansas" (Kansas City Star)
"New Water Lows for Great Lakes Could Drain Local Economies" (CNN)
"U.S. Drought In 2013 Hurts Cattle Ranchers With Dry, Poor Wheat Crop" (Reuters)
"Drought Still Plagues US: Food Prices 'Going Up'" (CNBC)
"Drought, Low Snowfall May Limit El Paso Region's Water Supply" (El Paso Times)
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