Clean and reliable water is critical to safe communities, job creation and economic growth. On November 8th Texans have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 2 – a constitutional amendment that will provide much needed funding to meet the water and wastewater infrastructure needs of Texas – needs which have only been underscored by the current statewide drought and devastating fires.

1. Proposition 2Facing severe drought, Prop 2 provides much needed funding for a variety of water related projects across the state Election is November 8, 2011 Early Voting Begins October 24, 2011

2. What is Prop 2 Prop 2 is a Constitutional Amendment on November 8 ballot that enables $6 billion in funding for wastewater treatment plants and water infrastructure. It had overwhelming bipartisan support in both the Texas House and Senate during the 2011 Legislative Session. This funding is critical as the recent Texas Water Plan estimated that $53 billion is needed to meet Texas’ future water supply needs – and overall water infrastructure needs in Texas are expected to approach $230 billion in order to sustain projected population growth. The Water Plan's introduction sums up the urgency: "In serious drought conditions, Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people, and its businesses, and its agricultural enterprises.”

3. What is Prop 2 Ballot Language: The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $6 billion at any time outstanding. Note: Prop 2 financing is self-supporting, meaning the bonds would be issued only to provide funding requested by local communities, and then the entity benefiting from the projects will repay the loans, and thus the bonds. The TWDB has never had a local entity default on a loan.

4. Prop 2: Challenges Even though the initiative passed the Legislature almost unanimously, voters have been known to unexpectedly and inexplicably reject some amendments. Strong anti-government/anti-spending sentiment dominating the political atmosphere. Some people see general obligation bonds, and they think 'debt,' but that's not the case… Fortunately, our state's leaders understand the importance of this critical water funding: As State Representative Drew Darby stated, "we have communities literally running out of water, and we have more and more demand in the urban areas and less water resources to meet those demands.” Now it is up to all of us to ensure that Texans have a better idea of what Prop 2 does and how it works.

5. Messages About Prop 2 Texas is Facing Dramatic Population Growth and Assault on its Water Supplies. Current drought has depleted our water reserves & damaged the already-stretched infrastructure. Without Passage of Prop 2, the Texas Water Development Board’s Existing Bond Authority Will Be Exhausted by 2013. Funding will help ensure a sustainable water supply, drive economic growth and protect future generations from effects of weather related challenges. Provides Much Needed Funding for a Variety of Water Related Projects Across the State. Funds will go towards water pipelines & towers; wells & wastewater collection, treatment & disposal; pollution & flood-control projects. Most Fiscally Conservative Way to Do Business. Prop 2 financing is self-supporting, meaning the bonds would be issued only to provide funding requested by local communities, and then the entity benefiting from the projects will repay the loans, and thus the bonds. Lowers Costs to the Consumer. Many local entities cannot access cost effective financing necessary to complete projects. TWDB can offer this funding at a better rate - lowering the total cost of the loan.

6. What People are Saying… Local and state leaders, newspaper editorial boards, business owners and individuals across the state agree on the critical importance of passing Proposition 2 on November 8: Texas desperately needs to start making significant progress enacting the state water plan…This is the most crucial amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot, and it merits voter approval. We urge Texans to make the trip to the polls to cast a ballot for improving Texas’ water future. San Antonio Express-News It's a question of options, and this (Prop 2) will be one arrow in our quiver that we don't have right now. State Representative Drew Darby If you’re looking for one good reason to vote...just look at Proposition 2. Galveston Daily News Benefits local taxpayers by giving them access to cheaper bond rates. Dallas Morning News The failure of Proposition 2 means the imminent end of partnerships for water projects around the state…most fiscally conservative & responsible way to do business and furthers our economic progress. State Representative Allan Ritter Facing severe drought, we must put plans into action to ensure future water access. Agriculture Commissioner Todd StaplesSee www.infrastructuretexas.org for more comments.

7. What People are Saying… Local and state leaders, newspaper editorial boards, business owners and individuals across the state agree on the critical importance of passing Proposition 2 on November 8: This is very important to the state, [for] our water plan and the ability for communities, counties and cities to be able to borrow money through the state, at a very low-interest rate. State Representative John Otto Passing proposition two is very important for this state's future.Texas Association of Business We endorse Prop 2 as well! Lubbock Chamber Proposition 2 will be beneficial to the Houston region’s business community in the future. Greater Houston Partnership Business Groups Back Texas Water Ballot Measure. The Texas Tribune System of checks and balances will…ensure the money goes to the best place keeping Texas with water for a long time to come. Environmental Defense Fund See www.infrastructuretexas.org for more comments.

8. Prop 2 – Outreach Texas Infrastructure Now was launched to ensure Texans across the state understand what Prop 2 means for Texas’ water supply & infrastructure. Texas Infrastructure Now includes a website, social media message materials, etc. and serves as a headquarters for Prop 2 education. The initiative includes:

9. infrastructuretexas.org E-mail Newsletter

10. Social Media - Join the Discussion!

11. Prop 2 – How You Can Help Distribute Prop 2 Materials Post "Vote” Image on Your Website and Link to Site for More Info Media Outreach Including Letters to the Editor and Op-Eds "Like Us" on Facebook "Follow Us" on Twitter Join LinkedIn Group Vote on November 8th!

12. More Information… Please visit www.infrastructuretexas.org www.twitter.com/texasinfranow www.facebook.com/texasinfrastructurenow To Learn More

13. Proposition 2Facing severe drought, Prop 2 provides much needed funding for a variety of water related projects across the state Election is November 8, 2011 Early Voting Begins October 24, 2011