New leadership will soon guide the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), the state’s leading entity for water initiatives and flood planning, financing and data generation.
On Sept. 26, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the appointment of Brady Franks to the board, leading statewide water efforts for a term expiring in 2031.
Franks, a former staffer in the Office of the Governor, previously served as the State Budget Director and as the Director of Government Relations for his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin. Prior, Franks spent nearly 10 years working in the Texas House of Representatives in various capacities and offices. Joining the three-member board, Franks will guide leadership, planning, financial and technical assistance for the TWDB, according to the governor. Franks will bring over a decade of public sector experience with extensive budgeting and strategic operations knowledge to the role.
On Oct. 3, Gov. Abbott announced the appointment of Ashley Morgan to the TWDB.
Morgan, an attorney and lobbyist, previously worked for the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Her experience includes legal and management roles along with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law.
The TWDB is responsible for several of the state’s water and flood-related efforts, including managing the State Water Plan and mitigating flood risks statewide along with administering funds from the multi-billion-dollar Texas Water Fund and the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Loans. TWDB also provides low-cost financing, loans and grants to municipalities and developers to improve water quality.
