Texas’ Midland County voters to weigh $645 million proposal for new water system
(UI) — Voters in Midland County will soon decide whether to approve a $645 million bond that would fund a major overhaul of the region’s water infrastructure, according to NewsWest9.
The proposed investment from the Midland County Utility District would support construction of a reverse osmosis water treatment facility, more than 100 miles of pipeline, and new storage tanks across a growing 54,800-acre service area.
“Provide a safe and clean, reliable water source,” MCUD spokesperson Norman Ashton told NewsWest9. “So, the bond is designed to actually build out the infrastructure that is needed in order to accomplish that goal.”
The bond would be repaid over 40 years through property taxes. Homeowners wouldn’t see tax increases until 2028, with an estimated annual cost of $170 for a median home valued at $310,000, Ashton said.
Some small business owners have voiced concerns about transparency and long-term financial impacts. Jo Simmons, who owns Phoenix Auto & Lube, said she needs more clarity before supporting the plan.
"I don’t feel like we should agree to a bond when we don’t understand necessarily the rate of payback and how it all works, and who it will affect the most,” Simmons told NewsWest9.
Still, Simmons acknowledged the community could benefit from the upgrades.
“Water is the key,” Ashton told NewsWest9. “If you want growth, you have to have water, and that’s to me the entire key. What we’re trying to do is provide that safe, clean, reliable water source so that our district can continue to grow and prosper.”
Voters will head to the polls on May 3, 2025. Early voting is scheduled for April 22–29. More information is available at MCUD.org.
Related News
From Archive
- PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
- OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
- Phase 1 Alaska LNG pipeline advances with construction awards, pipe supply agreements
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- Gateway Tunnel construction faces shutdown next week as Trump withholds federal funding
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
Comments