COMFORT — The 89th Texas Legislature concluded June 2, initiating Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan for water resource security. Thousands of bills were introduced, some reached committee, and a few became law.
Abbott had identified securing water investments as a priority for this session. But not enough reached his desk to satisfy a group of Comfort residents, concerned about water flow and cleanliness as a large subdivision plans to build nearby.
They have formed the Comfort Neighbors group and plan to meet from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Comfort Park to raise awareness within the community.
Comfort Neighbors is a grassroots group established to investigate high-density developments like Lennar Homes’ planned 1,100-unit project in Comfort or similar projects impacting Helotes Creek.
The proposed Lennar Homes development, which would discharge 600,000 gallons of wastewater a day into local streams and rivers, raises concerns regarding rural expansion. Although the group was formed only six months ago, it has made progress in engaging with state and local officials and mobilizing individuals in the area.
Saturday’s event will feature booths with information on water availability, native plants and rain catchment, as well as a 5K fun run/walk and a midway with games for children. A mid-morning news conference will be held at the pavilion, offering the latest updates on the initiative.
State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), voiced her support.
“It’s always inspiring to see Texans come together to stand up for their communities and the land they love,” Campbell said. “Your rally reflects the strong commitment you all share in protecting the unique character of Comfort and the Texas Hill Country.”
Comfort Neighbors, in collaboration with Kendall County Commissioner Chad Carpenter, drafted bill HB 4637, filed by Rep. Ellen Troxclair (R-Lakeway), which aimed to establish minimum lot sizes for new developments relying on groundwater within Kendall County’s Priority Groundwater Management Area.
Although the bill reached the committee stage, it did not advance to the House floor.
Another bill that failed to reach the governor’s desk was HB 2015, focusing on water requested through Municipal Utility District permits.
Filed by Rep. Wesley Virdell (R-Kerrville), the bill successfully passed the committee stage and secured a full House vote. Additionally, its companion bill in the Senate, SB2887, was filed and assigned to a committee, but did not complete the process required to become law due to time constraints.
For details, visit www. comfortneighbors.
com.
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