The Texas House has approved a $2 billion state water fund that will be used to build new projects across the state.
State officials would use fund set up in House Bill 4 to leverage $27 billion over the next 50 years to build new reservoirs, improved pipelines and increase water conservation.
Texas underwent its worst one-year drought in 2011 and has still not recovered. Some cities have imposed water restrictions and experts say there is not enough water available for the state's fast-growing population.
Republican Rep. Alan Ritter of Nederland authored the bill, which would basically set up a revolving fund for water projects. The money is expected to come from the state's $12 billion Rainy Day Fund.
The measure will go to the Senate for further consideration.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.