Rick Perry Wants Texas Voters to OK $2 Billion Water Infrastructure Projects

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry is again urging voters to approve an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would use $2 billion from the state's rainy day fund to pay for major water infrastructure projects.

The Republican is holding a press conference at Mansfield Dam Park on the Colorado River northwest of Austin on Wednesday.

He's championing the referendum appearing on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Last week, Perry campaigned for the ballot initiative in San Angelo, saying he plans to appoint a new water task force to oversee projects that would move forward with voter approval. The plan calls for creating new ways to ensure the state's reservoirs are full.

The one-time payment from the rainy day fund is designed to ensure Texas' water needs are met for the next 50 years.