Key Initiatives

• Compliance with the 1944 Water Sharing Treaty

  Water delivery by Mexico to the Rio Grande, as required by the 1944 Water Sharing Treaty, is of extreme importance to the economy and development of Texas’ border region, specifically the Lower Rio Grande Valley.  Mexico’s 1992-2002 water debt to the United States at one time reached 1.5 million acre feet.  Through “quiet diplomacy”, a process established by Governor Perry, and direct negotiations with Mexico, the water debt was completely repaid by September 2005.  Compliance by Mexico increases water availability for Texas farmers and municipalities that rely on Rio Grande water from Amistad and Falcon international reservoirs to the Gulf of Mexico.
  

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• Designation of Reservoir Sites for Future Water Supplies

  Raised on a cotton farm on the arid plains of West Texas, Gov. Perry has long recognized the vital importance of water, both as an infrastructural requirement for economic development and as the lifeblood of a productive agriculture and ranching sector. 

  In his State-of-the-State Address in February 2007, Governor Perry challenged the Legislature to respond to Texas’ growing water supply needs and called for the designation of a substantial number of new reservoir sites.  With the Governor’s continued support, the Legislature delivered landmark water legislation.  In June, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 3, an omnibus measure of far-reaching significance.
  

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• Emission Reduction Efforts

  Through Gov. Perry’s leadership, Texas has become a nationwide example for creating and implementing innovative programs to reduce emissions without compromising its strong economy. To achieve this balance, Gov. Perry has worked with the Legislature, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and industries across the state to institute the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP), expand AirCheckTexas, and enact renewable energy legislation. Thanks to these efforts, Texans are breathing the cleanest air the state has seen in the last ten years, even in the midst of rapid population and economic growth.
  

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• Seawater Desalination in Texas

  Governor Perry has long recognized the vital importance of adequate water supplies to the prosperity and economic well-being of the state and its residents.  In 2002, he introduced his vision for developing a new, abundant and drought-proof water supply by desalinating seawater.  With funding from the Legislature and the cumulative efforts of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and its partners, Governor Perry’s vision is close to becoming a reality.

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• State Parks Improvements

  Through Gov. Perry’s leadership, the 80th Legislature approved $181.6 million in additional parks-related appropriations for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, including $51.4 million for operations of parks, $44.1 million in bonds for statewide park repairs, $36.2 million in local park grants and $25 million for the dry-berthing of the Battleship Texas.  He also supported the effort to transfer 18 historical sites to the Texas Historical Commission and the transfer of the State Railroad to the Texas State Railroad Authority.
  

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