In an overwhelming display of bipartisanship, the Texas House voted to create state water fund using money from the Rainy Day Fund to meet the needs of the rapidly growing state.

The State Water Development Board would use what is expected to be a $2 billion fund set up in House Bill 4 to leverage $27 billion over the next 50 years to build new reservoirs, improved pipelines and increase water conservation. The measure passed 146-2, with only two tea party members opposing the measure.