H.B. No. 3915 amends the definition of "flood project" within Section 15.531(2) of the Water Code to expand the types of projects eligible for financial assistance from the flood infrastructure fund. The bill introduces new language that includes the construction and implementation of nonstructural projects that utilize nature-based features for flood risk mitigation. Additionally, it adds a new category for the construction of multi-purpose flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure projects, which are designed to control, divert, capture, or impound various types of water, including floodwater and treated wastewater, and to treat and distribute this water as an additional source of water supply.

The bill removes the previous language that simply listed types of flood projects without the specific inclusion of these new categories. The changes aim to enhance the scope of flood management strategies eligible for funding, thereby promoting innovative and sustainable approaches to flood control and water resource management. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 15.531 (Water Code 15)
House Committee Report: Water Code 15.531 (Water Code 15)