Water, Infrastructure & Special District Policy
Strategic water policy, special district governance, and infrastructure financing for Texas's most critical resource
Texas faces critical water infrastructure challenges. The State Water Plan identifies more than $80 billion in needed water supply investments over the next 50 years, and the state's rapid population growth is straining existing water systems, aquifers, and distribution networks. Navigating the regulatory and financing landscape requires understanding of multiple agencies, district types, and funding mechanisms.
Special purpose districts are the backbone of Texas infrastructure financing. Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs), Public Improvement Districts (PIDs), Water Control and Improvement Districts (WCIDs), and Fresh Water Supply Districts (FWSDs) collectively finance billions in water, wastewater, drainage, and infrastructure projects. Understanding how these districts are created, governed, and regulated is essential for developers, utilities, and investors operating in Texas.
JD Key Consulting brings insider governance experience to water and infrastructure matters. Founder James Dickey served as a Board Member of a Texas Public Improvement District under Local Government Code Chapter 372, giving him direct experience in infrastructure financing decisions, special assessment levies, and district operations. This governance perspective—combined with his IOGCC regulatory committee service—means James understands how regulatory bodies function from the inside, not just as an outside advocate.
We help clients navigate TCEQ, the Texas Water Development Board, river authorities, and local government processes. Whether you need water quality permits, access to SWIFT/SWIRFT infrastructure financing, special district formation assistance, or legislative advocacy on water policy, JD Key provides strategic counsel grounded in actual governance experience.
Key Capabilities
Special District Governance & Formation
Navigating MUD, PID, WCID, and FWSD creation, board governance, bond issuance, and regulatory compliance with TCEQ and local government oversight.
TCEQ Water Permitting & Compliance
Water quality permits, wastewater discharge authorizations, public water system compliance, and agency rulemaking participation.
Water Infrastructure Financing
SWIFT and SWIRFT fund applications, TWDB financing programs, revenue bond structuring, and special assessment mechanisms.
Legislative Advocacy
Tracking and advocating on water bills, appropriations, and infrastructure funding in the Texas Legislature and relevant committees.
Groundwater & Water Rights
Groundwater conservation district navigation, water rights permitting, and conjunctive use strategies for surface and groundwater resources.
Local Government Relations
City and county coordination, interlocal agreements, annexation strategy, and regional water authority engagement.
Who We Help
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Public Improvement District (PID) in Texas?
A Public Improvement District (PID) is a special purpose district created under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 372 that allows a defined area to finance infrastructure improvements through special assessments on property within the district. PIDs fund roads, water and wastewater systems, drainage, landscaping, and other public improvements. They are commonly used in master-planned communities and commercial developments. JD Key Consulting's founder James Dickey served as a PID Board Member, providing insider governance experience in district operations and infrastructure financing.
What special purpose districts operate in Texas?
Texas has several types of special purpose districts that finance and manage infrastructure: Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) for water, wastewater, and drainage; Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) for broader infrastructure improvements; Water Control and Improvement Districts (WCIDs) for water supply and flood control; Fresh Water Supply Districts (FWSDs); and various other districts created under the Texas Water Code and Local Government Code. Each has different creation requirements, governance structures, and financing mechanisms. JD Key Consulting helps clients navigate district formation, governance, and regulatory compliance.
How does TCEQ regulate water in Texas?
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the state's primary environmental regulatory agency, with jurisdiction over water quality permits, wastewater discharge permits, public water system oversight, and water rights administration. TCEQ issues permits for surface water use, regulates groundwater conservation districts, and enforces drinking water standards. The agency also oversees municipal utility district creation and bond approval. JD Key Consulting helps clients navigate TCEQ permitting, compliance, and rulemaking processes.
What is the Texas State Water Plan and SWIFT fund?
The Texas State Water Plan is a comprehensive 50-year strategy updated every five years by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to address the state's water supply needs—currently estimated at over $80 billion in infrastructure investment. The State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and its companion SWIRFT program provide low-interest financing for water projects recommended in the plan. JD Key Consulting helps water utilities, districts, and developers access these financing mechanisms and navigate TWDB application processes.
What qualifies JD Key Consulting to advise on water and infrastructure policy?
JD Key Consulting's founder James Dickey brings direct regulatory governance experience to water and infrastructure matters. He served as a Board Member of a Texas Public Improvement District under Local Government Code Chapter 372, giving him firsthand experience in infrastructure financing, special assessments, and district operations. Combined with his service on the IOGCC Legal and Regulatory Affairs Committee and his deep relationships across Texas state government, James provides a uniquely informed perspective on navigating TCEQ, TWDB, river authorities, and local government processes.
Related Legislation
Ready to discuss your water or infrastructure needs?
Schedule a confidential conversation with James Dickey.
Call 512.543.4971