ODESSA, TX — State Representative Brooks Landgraf announced today that the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) voted at its meeting yesterday to authorize the release of the full $17 million he secured earlier this year to expand and improve water infrastructure in West Odessa.

“This is a major milestone and exactly what we’ve been working toward,” Landgraf said. “The money is now officially ready to move. Local government entities can begin contracting, planning, and putting shovels in the ground to bring reliable water to West Odessa families. I’ve met with locally elected leaders and let them know what the expectations are.”

The $17 million will fund “final mile” water line extensions to currently unserved neighborhoods in West Odessa—connecting residents who have faced dry wells or no access to a dependable supply of water at all. The allocation also includes $250,000 for a county-wide water infrastructure master plan to guide long-term improvements for homes, businesses, and schools throughout Ector County.

Landgraf emphasized that strong oversight, transparency, and coordination must guide this phase of the project to ensure it moves efficiently and delivers meaningful results.

“I’ll continue working closely with TWDB and our local leaders to ensure every dollar is used wisely and effectively,” Landgraf said. “We want to maximize these funds to connect water to the greatest number of families as possible, and I’m committed to staying engaged throughout the process so that this investment delivers the clean, reliable water West Odessa deserves.”

The $17 million that Landgraf fought to secure will connect water lines to thousands of West Odessans, but it is not expected to be enough to extend water to everyone who needs it in the area. Landgraf hopes that Ector County and the Ector County Utility District will act quickly to add new water connections so that further expansion can be funded through the increased customer base, or through additional appropriations.