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Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Drought Monitoring & Response Committee Function: Communication, Monitoring and Prediction, Response, Planning Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Coordinates state agency response to drought liaison with federal agencies. Coordinates technical and financial assistance to drought-impacted communities. Coordinates drought response planning. Coordinates assessment and public reporting of drought monitoring and water supply conditions with state agencies. Advises the Governor on significant drought events. Coordinates drought-related issues in regional water plans with state agencies. Advises the regional water planning groups on drought-related issues in the regional water plans. Explores drought-proof water sources (reuse & desalinization); more efficient water use via monitoring public water-supply systems, conservation practices; develops conventional supplies where economically and environmentally feasible. Statute or Authority: Established by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) of the 75th Session of the Texas Legislature Agencies (primary agency listed first): The committee is composed of state agencies concerned with the effects of drought and fire on the citizens of the State of Texas: Texas Forest Service, National Weather Service, Texas Dept. of Agriculture, Division of Emergency Mgmt. Customers Served: Entire state (rural and urban), farmers and ranchers, forestry industry Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Drier-than-normal conditions. Water shortages associated with drought situations. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: Preparation for impacts on agricultural, industrial and residential sectors of the economy Program Limitations: High demand for water, associated with an increasing population and a diverse industry base, makes Texas even more vulnerable to the impacts of drought in the future. Contact Name and Phone Number: Tom
Milwee, Chairman, Governor's Division of Emergency Management Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA) Linked Deposit Program Function: Response Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Allows farmers and ranchers to borrow or refinance up to $250,000 from the program for recovery from a natural disaster. Also allows for purchase of water conservation equipment for agricultural purposes and water conservation projects. Statute or Authority: Texas Agriculture Code 44.001-44.010 Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Department of Agriculture Customers Served: Existing or emerging agricultural marketing, production and water conservation projects Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Application and availability of funds Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: The Linked Deposit Program is an interest buydown and not a guaranteed loan program. Contact Name and Phone Number: Robert Kennedy, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Finance Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Hay Hotline Function: Communication, Response Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Hay Hotline (1-877-429-1998). This hotline links those in need of hay with suppliers. The Hay Hotline also handles donations of hay and transportation during drought for hay relief efforts. The Hay Hotline is at the Texas Department of Agriculture's website: www.agr.state.tx.us Statute or Authority: All details of pricing and transportation are between buyer and seller. Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Department of Agriculture Customers Served: Livestock producers in and outside of Texas can utilize the Hay Hotline. Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Any natural disaster that would significantly impact Texas forage and hay production would trigger the Commissioner to reinstate the Hay Hotline. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: Establishment of a National Hay Database Program Limitations: Fire Ant Quarantine limits distribution of hay to non-quarantine counties in Texas and other states that do not have the Fire Ant Quarantine. Contact Name and Phone Number: Melissa Burns Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Emergency Drinking Water Contingency Plan Function: Response, Planning Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Defines the organization, operational concepts, responsibilities, and procedures for providing immediate and longer-term emergency assistance to private and public entities for obtaining, transporting, and distributing potable drinking water to those in need. Statute or Authority: SB1 (75R-1997), PL 84-99 and PL 95-51, 31 TAC Chapters 357 and 358 Agencies (primary agency listed first): Governor's Division of Emergency Management; Department of Public Safety, TWDB, TNRCC, TPWD, TDA, TAEX, TSSWCB, TDHCA, DHS, COE, AGD, TDH, GSC, RRC, TxDOT, TxVOAID Customers Served: Private and public entities supplying potable drinking water Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Climactic and meteorological droughts occur in Texas that can lead to hydrological drought conditions. The advent of hydrological drought conditions of water-supplying utilities sets off the triggering mechanism to implement the Emergency Drinking Water Contingency Plan. Requests to the State through the appropriate political jurisdiction channels will evoke the response to a hydrological drought situation. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: It is difficult to determine exactly when and if a water system will run out of water due to the variety of methods and inherent limitations due to availability and subject to interpretation. Contact Name and Phone Number: Tom
Milwee, State Coordinator (Texas) Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: State of Texas Emergency Management Plan Function: Mitigation Response, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication, Planning Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: This plan established operational concepts and identifies tasks and responsibilities related to comprehensive emergency management in Texas. Statute or Authority: Constitution of the State of Texas, Texas Disaster Act of 1975, Texas Government Code Annotated Ch. 418, Executive Order of the Governor relating to emergency management, respective State Agency, Department or Commission enabling legislation, Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act PL 93-288 as amended, Emergency Management and Assistance CFR 44, Title III of SARA 1986 PL 99-499 as amended, Price Anderson Act of 1957 as amended. Agencies (primary agency listed first): Governor's Division of Emergency Management; Department of Public Safety, AGD, DIR, GLO, OAG, PUC, RRC, SAPB, SAO, CPA, TCFP, TDA, TDC, TDCJ, TDH, TDHCA, DHS, TDI, MHMR, TxDOT, TEA, TEEX, TFS, TNRCC, TPWD, TRC, TEC, TWC Customers Served: Applicable to all emergency situations, to include drought, affecting people and/or property in Texas. Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Areas of Texas experiencing natural disasters, including drought, will request assistance from the State when local or routine state resources are insufficient to offset the effects of the disaster. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Federal disaster assistance may be required when disaster-related losses exceed the abilities of individuals, political jurisdictions, and State resources to effectively and efficiently recover and return to normal operations. Contact Name and Phone Number: Tom
Milwee, State Coordinator (Texas) Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Drought Preparedness Council Function: Mitigation, Response, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Defines the organization, operational concepts, responsibilities, and procedures for providing immediate and longer-term emergency assistance to private and public entities for obtaining, transporting, and distributing potable drinking water to those in need. Statute or Authority: HB 2660 (76R-1999) Agencies (primary agency listed first): Governor's Division of Emergency Management - Department of Public Safety, TAEX, TDA, TDED, TDH, TDHCA, TFS, TNRCC, TPWD, TSSWCB, TWDB, TxDOT, NWS, USFS, USGS, HUD, USPHS, COE Customers Served: Advises the Governor and Legislature of Texas regarding significant drought conditions in the State. Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Conducts drought response planning and modifies the State Drought Plan to ensure effective coordination among state, local, & federal agencies. Assesses and reports on type of drought, water usage statistics, and demand forecasts. Advises regional water planning groups on drought-related issues & communication links for emergency conditions. Coordi-nates technical & financial assistance & outreach for drought contingency planning to drought-impacted communities. Assesses & reports on potential impacts of water shortages on public health, safety, and welfare, and on impacts on agricultural and other natural resources. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: The council serves as a means of disseminating information and coordinating committee member responses as it relates to their agency's area of expertise. Moreover, each agency uses their field personnel to assist local officials. Contact Name and Phone Number: Tom
Milwee, State Coordinator (Texas) Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Fire Prevention and Suppression Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Prevention and suppression of wildland fires Statute or Authority: Section 88.102 through 88.120 Education Code Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Forest Service Customers Served: Landowners and the general public Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? TFS uses the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) to determine the probable severity of the risk for fire in the state. This, coupled with fire incidence, triggers TFS response by deployment of prevention teams and suppression forces to support local fire departments. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Due to the long-term commitment of resources and the cost for deployment of aerial resources, federal financial involvement is usually necessary. Additionally, the sheer size of the state presents enormous logistical problems in supporting fire fighting. Contact Name and Phone Number: Bobby R. Young Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: SAFE (Sports Athletic Field Education) Function: Mitigation, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Established 26 demonstrations of proper irrigation of athletic fields with school districts. These pilot projects demonstrate how to grow quality turf with a minimum of irrigation water. Statute or Authority: Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Agricultural Extension Service, 26 school districts Customers Served: Public school systems Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Public concern for adequate water supplies Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Staffing and funds; limited funding contribution of participating entities Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Gene Taylor, Extension Turf Specialist Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: PET (Potential evapotranspira-tion) Networks Function: Mitigation, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Three computer-accessible networks have been created for the Southern High Plains (19 stations), North High Plains (3 stations) and the Texas ET. These weather stations are linked to crop models to give accurate estimates of irrigation needs to irrigators of agricultural crops and turf, enhancing water use efficiency on irrigated lands. Statute or Authority: None Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Agricultural Extension Service, TAES, TGWD, USDA-ARS Customers Served: Farmers, homeowners, growers and users of recreational/sports turf Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Public concern for water shortage Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Continuation of networks requires more equipment, technicians, operating funds. Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Guy
Fipps, Extension Agricultural Engineer Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Water Medic (Making Every Drop Count) Function: Mitigation, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Pilot water conservation program for homeowners in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Ft. Stockton, and West Texas Statute or Authority: None Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Agricultural Extension Service, and municipalities Customers Served: General public, homeowners Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Public concern about water shortage Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Staff and funding Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Fisheries Division Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the state agency responsible for protection of fish and wildlife resources in Texas. The Fisheries Divisions (Coastal and Inland) have long-term surveys in place to monitor population trends for major species in Texas. TPWD biologists are available to lend technical assistance with fisheries management issues. TPWD also has expertise with the management of nuisance aquatic vegetation. Statute or Authority: Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 12 Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Customers Served: Fish and wildlife resources of Texas and the general public of Texas Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? TPWD has been called upon to assist local governments with the management and removal of nuisance aquatic vegetation species hydrilla and water hyacinth during drought conditions. Infestations of these plants became so thick that water delivery systems were compromised and water was lost due to increased evapotranspiration. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Limited resources in terms of limited number of practical measures that can be taken to mitigate adverse drought impacts to wildlife. Contact Name and Phone Number: Cindy Loeffler Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Wildlife Division Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the state agency responsible for protection of fish and wildlife resources in Texas. The Wildlife Division has long-term surveys in place to monitor population trends for major species in Texas. Based on effects of previous droughts and the timing and severity of a current drought, TPWD biologists can predict what changes in wildlife populations might be expected at specific seasons of other years. Individual land managers can prepare for and mitigate the effects of drought on wildlife by installing wildlife watering systems, managing for habitat essential to wildlife, keeping deer and livestock numbers within the carrying capacity of the land, and reducing livestock numbers quickly during a drought so that the native habitat will continue to support wildlife. Statute or Authority: Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 12 Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Customers Served: Fish and wildlife resources of Texas and the general public of Texas Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Native wildlife species in Texas have adapted over time to a wide range of weather conditions, including severe drought. Although a severe drought may greatly reduce the number and kinds of wildlife using a specific tract of land, wildlife populations usually return to normal within 1-3 years of normal rainfall. Occasionally, TPWD biologists must restock an area with antelope (or other species) following a severe drought, but this is fairly unusual. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: No data Contact Name and Phone Number: Cindy Loeffler Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Resource Protection Division Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the state agency responsible for protection of fish and wildlife resources in Texas. The Resource Protection Division is charged with investigating fish kills, taking necessary action to identify the cause and party responsible for the fish kill, and estimating the monetary value of lost resources. TPWD is also responsible for providing recommendations to the Texas Water Development Board on scheduling of instream flows and freshwater inflows to Texas estuaries for the management of fish and wildlife resources. Statute or Authority: Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 12 Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Water Development Board Customers Served: Fish and wildlife resources of Texas and the general public of Texas Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Aquatic ecosystems experience stress during droughts. Fish kills related to high water temperatures and/or low dissolved oxygen occur more frequently during droughts. It is possible to mitigate some of these losses by scheduling instream flows and freshwater inflows to estuaries. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Most surface water in the state of Texas has been appropriated, leaving limited alternatives for mitigating drought conditions that adversely affect fish and wildlife resources. Contact Name and Phone Number: Cindy Loeffler Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Communications Division, News and Information Branch Function: Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: In times of extreme drought, communicates news of drought impacts on wildlife, fish and habitat, including agency responses and options for addressing such impacts. On a year-round basis, attempts to regularly communicate the importance of clean, abundant water supply for wildlife and environmental needs, including the potential impact of water development projects, the need for freshwater inflows from rivers into bays and estuaries, pollutant contamination of water resources, and other issues that affect wildlife. Two basic strategies are employed: (1) communicate via TPWD-controlled outlets such as the TPWD web site, TPWD Video News Release program, etc. and (2) communicate via news releases and other activities that seek to stimulate news media coverage of drought or water-related issues. Statute or Authority: No data Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Customers Served: Texas general public, TPWD constituents, including hunters, anglers, birders, paddlers, hikers, park visitors, etc. and conservation organizations to which they belong. Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? News stories are issued as needed. While the branch services all TPWD divisions and the full range of issues facing TPWD, it can act quickly and specifically to address drought-related items as needed. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Limited resources in terms of both labor/human resources and equipment/technology. Contact Name and Phone Number: Tom Harvey Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Division of Emergency Preparedness Health and Medical Response Plan for Heat and Drought Emergencies Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication, Planning Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Provides operational and planning guidelines, procedures and instructions for an integrated, multi-agency response to severe weather conditions, specifically heat and drought, that endanger the citizens of Texas. Outlines methods of assisting local jurisdiction in efforts to mitigate the effects of heat and drought and authorizes agency response to requests for assistance to alleviate impacts on citizens. Statute or Authority: No data Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Dept. of Health (TDH), TX Animal Health Comm., TX Dept. of Aging, Public Utility Comm., TX Rehab. Comm., TX Dept. of Human Services, TX Dept. of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, TX Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs, Office of the Governor, TX Division of Emergency Mgmt., TX Natural Resources Conservation Comm., TX Education Agency Customers Served: General public and at-risk populations Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Activated in phases in accordance with the plan Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Limited staff and budget Contact Name and Phone Number: Sam Wilson Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Texas Community Development Program Disaster Relief Fund Function: Mitigation, Response Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Coordinates technical and financial assistance and outreach for drought contingency planning to drought-impacted areas. Statute or Authority: 10 TAC Chapter 9 Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs, TWDB, TNRCC, TSSWCB, TPWD, DEM, TAEX, TxDOT, TDA Customers Served: Cities under 50,000 population Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Following a drought declaration by the Governor, the Disaster Relief Funds can be utilized to assist small cities and counties to obtain a permanent source of water for its residents. This can include drilling a well(s), extending water lines to connect to surface water or to another water source, engineering and construction costs. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Must be part of a Governor's Declaration. Applicant must be a city or county, limited to cities with population under 50,000. Ceiling of $350,000 attached to the funds. Contact Name and Phone Number: Gus Garcia Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Soil and Water Conservation Function: Mitigation, Response, Communication, Planning Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Program provides technical assistance through local soil and water conservation districts to assist agricultural land users to develop plans for soil and water conservation. These plans include practices for mitigation and response to drought. Plans for grazed land include drought contingency measures for reducing or removing cattle. Plans for irrigated land include on-farm water management measures that improve efficiencies and mitigate drought impacts. Statute or Authority: Agricultural Code of Texas, Chapter 201 Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, local soil and water conservation districts, USDA, NRCS Customers Served: Individual agricultural producers in Texas Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? District assistance is provided based on the individual request for assistance. It is not directly related to drought but is an action that can have mitigating impact. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Local soil and water conservation districts in Texas have limited resources with which to meet the technical assistance needs of their cooperating landowners. The availability of assistance through USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service has dramatically decreased over the last several years with the decline anticipated to continue into the future. Contact Name and Phone Number: James M. Moore Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Drought Contingency Planning in Texas Function: Mitigation, Response, Communication, Planning Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: To assist local and regional utilities in preparing their required drought contingency plans, the TNRCC and the Texas Water Development Board in 1999 jointly conducted a series of technical assistance workshops around the state. The workshops provided to each person attending the TNRCC's Handbook for Drought Contingency Planning that includes a model drought plan. A utility which chooses to use the fill-in-the-blanks model will comply with the minimum content requirements of the TNRCC rules for drought contingency plans. However, the workshop presentation stressed the importance of a city council or board tailoring the model to fit its water supply conditions, its customer base, and its water treatment, storage and distribution system. This is particularly important with regard to the utility's selection of triggers for successive drought response stages, and the selection of demand reduction measures which the council or board will be willing to implement when necessary. Statute or Authority: SB 1301 and HB 2660 (76R-1999) Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Natural Resource Conservation Committee (TNRCC), Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Customers Served: Regional Water Planning Group (RWPG) Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? The TNRCC is also implementing state legislation which requires that, when a drought-related disaster is declared in a county, the county notify water suppliers and major water users in the county and also the chairperson of the regional water planning group that includes the county. Upon receipt of such notification, water suppliers and major water users must implement their drought contingency plans and water conservation plans. To assist the counties in this task, the TNRCC in August 1999 provided to each county's Emergency Management Coordinator a list of all retail and wholesale water suppliers and major water-right holders in that county. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: The means of notification by each RWGP to the Emergency Management Coordinator or local official is not clearly defined by the legislation. Contact Name and Phone Number: John Warden Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Crop Yield Estimator Function: Mitigation, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: A computer model has been developed and is being refined to predict potential crop yields given soil series, crop planting variables, weather to date and predicted weather. Statute or Authority: No data Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES) USDA-ARS Customers Served: Farmers and ranchers Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Farmers or ranchers can withhold or add production inputs based upon by yield projections from current and projected weather, reducing the economic impact of drought, and minimizing risk. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Model is incomplete and needs more field testing. Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Bill Dugas, Texas Ag. Experiment Station, Temple, TX Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Water for Texans Function: Response, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Programs designed as rangeland best management practices by providing assistance to rangeland managers on brush and grazing management and their effects on water conservation and quality. Statute or Authority: SB 1 [1997] (75 R), Federal Clean Water Act Agencies (primary agency listed first): TAES, NRCS, EPA, TPWD, TSSWCB Customers Served: Ranchers, landowners Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Promotes improved utilization of precipitation and greater recharge of surface and groundwater through brush control and management of rangeland. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Public outreach limitations due to funding constraints Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Larry White, Extension Range Specialist Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Drought Communication to Public Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Provides information to the general public through print and electronic media. Statute or Authority: None Agencies (primary agency listed first): TAEX, TAES Customers Served: General public, public decision-makers and the media Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Delivers a variety of news releases to mass media across the state and nation to make the public and legislative leaders aware of water conservation requirements and economic consequences of drought. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Communications media limitations; end product use cannot be controlled. Contact Name and Phone Number: Edith Chenault, Extension Communications Specialist Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Provides functional demonstrations and educational materials about available technologies for wastewater reuse and management. Statute or Authority: 30 TAC Chapter(s) 210, 285 and 317 Agencies (primary agency listed first): TAES, TNRCC, TSSWCB, USDA-NRCS, Texas on-site wastewater assoc. Customers Served: Homeowners, wastewater professionals, regulators, decision-makers Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Programming efforts designed to educate the aforementioned audience about wastewater reuse through reclaimed water systems, graywater systems, and innovative/alternative septic systems. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Does not allow for small scale systems, I.e., subdivisions. Also, graywater rules not finalized. Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Bruce Lesikar, Extension Agricultural Engineer Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Priority Groundwater Management Areas (PGMA) Function: Mitigation, Response Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Provides educational programming to residents in PGMA's on water supply, demand and management issues. Statute or Authority: SB 1 [1997] (75 R) Agencies (primary agency listed first): TNRCC, TWDB, TPWD, TAGD, USDA-NRCS Customers Served: Homeowners and residents Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Educating local residents on water availability issues in order to expedite the implementation of Groundwater Conservation Districts as a primary method for groundwater management Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Monetary constraints of groundwater districts with single entities Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Guy Fipps, Extension Agricultural Engineer Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Master Gardener Program Function: Mitigation, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Programming educates homeowners and landscape professionals on proper irrigation techniques and management for home landscape. Statute or Authority: State guidelines and loosely defined relations between state and federal agencies Agencies (primary agency listed first): County level organizations Customers Served: Homeowners Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Promotes water conservation by utilizing efficient irrigation methods while maintaining healthy turf, landscape, and gardens. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Public outreach limited due to technical support and operating funds availability Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Agricultural Irrigation Programming Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Provides education and training, demonstrations, technical assistance, and the development of decision aid tools, improved technologies, and management practices for agricultural producers. This is accomplished through irrigation conferences, PET networks, county-based demonstration/education programs, and irrigation district programs. Statute or Authority: Groundwater legislation 30 TAC Chapter 36, SB1 [1977] (75 R) Agencies (primary agency listed first): RWPGs, TDA, TNRCC Customers Served: Agricultural producers, irrigation districts Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Promotes efficient irrigation and water conservation while maintaining profitable agricultural production. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Funding capacity of eligible jurisdictions Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Leon New, Extension Agricultural Engineer Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Economic Impact Assessment of Drought Function: Mitigation, Response, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Provides timely economic estimates on the effect of drought on agriculture and related industries. Statute or Authority: None Agencies (primary agency listed first): TAEX, TAES, TFS, TDA, USDA-FSA Customers Served: General public Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Provides agricultural producers with decision-making tools during times of drought. Includes models on cost of production, profitability or losses associated with staying in business, information on emergency loans, disaster relief, crop insurance, and drought-related income tax laws. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Information is applicable to regional areas, but is not community specific. Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Roland Smith, Extension Program Leader for Agricultural Economics Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: South Texas AmeriCorps Initiative (STACI) Function: Mitigation, Communication Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Coordinated effort in which volunteers work in mainly low-income communities, providing water resource management education for the border region. Includes information on gardening, water conservation, and recycling. Statute or Authority: None Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Commission of Volunteer Services Customers Served: Homeowners Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Promotes residential water conservation Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: Focus is geographically specific to Texas' southern border. Contact Name and Phone Number: Dr. Bonnie McGee, Assistant Director for Urban Programs Texas State Drought Programs Program Title: Water Resource Planning and Monitoring Function: Mitigation, Monitoring and Prediction Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: During drought conditions, the Texas Water Development Board staff provide hands-on technical assistance to utilities and water authorities regarding implementation of drought plans, location of alternate sources of water and provision of emergency loans associated with drought response measures. The Board also provides financial assistance through grants for regional planning and for the purchase of water-conservation-related equipment for local irrigation and underground water conservation districts to use to promote agricultural conservation. Statute or Authority: SB 1 [1997]; Texas Water Code chapters 14-17 Agencies (primary agency listed first): Texas Natural Resource Conservation Committee (TNRCC), Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), Drought Preparedness Council Customers Served: All citizens of the state Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? More recent droughts of the 1980's saw the implementation of water conservation and drought plan requirements before an entity could receive funding for a water or wastewater project, and the drought of 1996 was a major focusing point of Senate Bill 1. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: No data Program Limitations: The program is limited both by statute and funding to working primarily with political subdivisions of the State. Contact Name and Phone Number: Bill Hoffman, Assistant Division Director for Water Resources Planning |