Taft workshop flags water infrastructure, alternative sources amid regional drought concerns

City Manager Ryan Smith and council members identified aging water and wastewater infrastructure as a priority and described a phased replacement strategy to reduce system failures and long-term costs. The discussion named potential external funding sources, including grants from the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), though no specific applications or dollar amounts were noted.

Council members also raised the exploration of alternative water sources in light of regional drought concerns and discussed coordination on street and utility work with San Patricio County through interlocal agreements. The workshop recorded suggestions for continued study but did not adopt a specific water project or vote to pursue a defined grant application.