San Juan commission authorizes application for up to $21 million in state water infrastructure funding

The City of San Juan authorized its city manager to submit an application to the Texas Water Development Board under the Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) program to fund a proposed 2025 water-distribution and comprehensive master-plan improvement project.

An interim utilities director told the commission the city's proposed projects were identified in a recently completed 2026 water master plan and estimated potential award amounts around $21 million for the projects discussed. The presenter said the WSIG program provides one-time grant funding, usually requires a competitive application, and—for the projects described—would not require a local match.

Key dates and conditions presented to the commission included a July 30, 2026 application deadline, awards to be announced on or before Aug. 31, 2027, and a project completion deadline of Jan. 1, 2031. Staff characterized the grant as highly competitive; the presenter noted the state has allocated approximately $1 billion for the program overall.

Commissioners asked about oversight and assigned staff roles; staff identified internal staff and a grants consultant as leads on the application process. The commission voted to approve the resolution authorizing the application and city-manager signature authority.

If awarded, the city said it would use WSIG funding to advance the water-distribution projects included in its master plan; the commission will consider implementation details and reporting requirements in subsequent meetings.