MBU seeks $25M to replace lead service lines under Infrastructure Investment Act

In a recent meeting held at New Braunfels City Hall, city officials discussed a significant funding opportunity aimed at addressing the replacement of lead service lines in the area. The discussion centered around the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has allocated funds through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) specifically for lead service line replacement (LSLR) projects.

The program offers a unique financing structure, consisting of 51% principal loan forgiveness and 49% low-interest loans, making it an attractive option for municipalities like New Braunfels. The city’s water utility, MBU, is seeking financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for an amount not to exceed $25 million. However, the timeline for application submission was tight, prompting MBU staff to submit the application before receiving formal approval from the city council.

MBU has already conducted an inventory of service lines, revealing that 3,267 galvanized lines require replacement, along with 942 lines of unknown material. The replacement plan is expected to be developed within the next year, with actual replacement work slated to begin by October 2027. The council emphasized the importance of this funding, noting that it represents a chance to utilize state and federal dollars to improve local infrastructure.

During the public hearing segment of the meeting, residents expressed concerns about ongoing water quality issues, highlighting the need for comprehensive upgrades to the water system beyond just service line replacements. The council acknowledged these concerns and reiterated their commitment to addressing the aging infrastructure.

The council unanimously approved the application resolution, marking a significant step forward in securing the necessary funding for this critical project. As the city moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that the replacement of lead service lines is executed efficiently and effectively, ultimately enhancing the safety and quality of drinking water for New Braunfels residents.