HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. R2025-19 RESOLUTION NO. R2025-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 1643 AND HOUSE BILL
3818, WHICH SEEK TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THE ABILITY OF THE
HARRIS-GALVESTON SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT TO PLACE LIMITATIONS ON
THE PUMPING OF GROUNDWATER; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (the "HGSD") was created by the Texas
Legislature in 1975 to protect the lives and property in Harris and Galveston Counties from the
devastating impacts of subsidence;and
WHEREAS, as the demand for water continues to increase, the need to continue to protect our
groundwater resources through reasonable and objective groundwater/subsidence regulations remains
vital;and
WHEREAS, the HGSD imposes such regulations; however, House Bill 1643 ("H.B. 1643")
seeks to remove a large portion of Harris County, namely that portion within the North Harris County
Regional Water Authority(the"NHCRWA"),from being subject to the same; and
WHEREAS, similarly, House Bill 3818 ("H.B. 3818") allows municipalities, water utilities,
industrial users and groundwater permit holders to defer compliance with requirements to reduce the
amount of groundwater being pumped for a period of five(5)years;and
WHEREAS, legislative passage of these bills would be extremely damaging to the decades of
progress that has been made to prevent subsidence in Galveston and Harris Counties; NOW
THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, STATE
OF TEXAS:
Section 1. That the facts and recitations set forth in the preamble of this resolution are
hereby found to be true and correct.
Section 2. That the City Council of the City of Friendswood opposes H.B. 1643 and H.B.
3818, as such bills will culminate in a potentially devastating setback in subsidence prevention in Harris
and Galveston Counties.
Section 3. That the City Secretary is hereby directed to disseminate copies of this
resolution to Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker of the House Dustin
Burrows, members of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives, and any other relevant
stakeholders.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately from and after its passage by the
City Council of the City of Friendswood.
INTRODUCED,READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of the City Council of the City of
Friendswood on this the 5th day of May,2025.
L. .0 1
M FO'1 • ,Mayor
ATTE T: OF RIEN.
a+iv4. :th
LET CIA BRYSCH,City Secret , IP
APPROVED AS TO FORM: '9TF OF 10-P
$----2e;X,AztoL L. HORNER,
Attorney
H:\City Council\Resolutions\2025\05-05-2025\tesolution-Harris Galveston Subsidence District.docx
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