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Willow Park council authorizes application for state grant to replace failing West Oak water lines
Summary
Council adopted a resolution to apply to the Texas Water Development Board for a 100% grant to replace two-inch water mains in the West Oak service area with 8-inch mains and add hydrants; the resolution authorizes staff to prepare and submit the application (award not yet granted).
The Willow Park City Council voted May 12 to authorize staff to apply for a Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) water-supply and infrastructure grant to upsize aging two-inch water mains in the West Oak service area.
Chase (city staff) told the council the TWDB program, funded by House Bill 500 from the 89th Texas Legislature, provides one-time grant assistance for eligible water-supply projects and that the grant is awarded on a competitive basis. Staff said the West Oak project was selected because the area's median household income and water-loss metrics improve the city's chances of receiving funding. Chase said the project's preliminary scope would replace two-inch lines with eight-inch mains, add hydrants and valves, and that a full replacement estimate is in the multimillion-dollar range; staff included a $5.5 million figure in the resolution to allow final adjustments while preparing the application.
Chase explained the grant deadline (TWDB application) is July 30, 2026, and that only one application entity may apply; the resolution authorizes the city to attach a required resolution to that application. He noted staff evaluated other areas (Squaw Creek and larger town census blocks) but selected West Oak because of the better grant-scoring profile. Councilmember questions focused on whether the grant would fully cover the cost (Chase: the application seeks 100% grant assistance) and whether a backup application could be drafted if the TWDB later has remaining funds or alterable scoring. Staff said the city can evaluate a second plan but must confirm administrative rules with TWDB.
Why it matters: If awarded, the grant would enable the city to replace undersized two-inch service mains, improve hydrant coverage and address routine water-loss and fire-suppression shortcomings in the West Oak area without local capital outlay. The resolution approved at the meeting only authorizes preparation and submission of the grant application; no award has been received.
The council voted to adopt the application resolution after a motion and second; staff will prepare the application materials and finalize cost estimates for the TWDB submission.
