By David Taylor / Managing Editor
HOUSTON — State Rep. Armando Walle on Saturday presented checks to the Airline Improvement District for $6 million and the Sunbelt Water District for $12 million, marking a major step forward in efforts to improve aging and inadequate water infrastructure in portions of Harris County.
The funding will be used to support the installation and replacement of necessary water lines, projects aimed at ensuring safe, reliable water service for residents in both districts.
“These investments are about something very basic — making sure families can turn on the tap and trust the water that comes out,” Walle said during the check presentation. “Too many neighborhoods have waited far too long for infrastructure improvements, and today we’re helping move those projects forward.”
Leaders from the Airline Improvement District said the funding will help address long‑standing infrastructure needs in areas that have relied on outdated systems.
“This support allows us to continue critical work that protects public health and improves quality of life for our residents,” said Teri Koerth, the executive director of the Airline Improvement District. “Reliable water service is essential for homes, businesses, and emergency response.”
The Sunbelt Water District will also use the funds to advance water line projects designed to strengthen service and prepare the district for future growth.
“Modernizing our water lines is not optional — it’s necessary,” said Nathan Wade, president of the Sunbelt Water District. “We appreciate Representative Walle’s leadership and commitment to making sure our community has the infrastructure it needs now and for years to come.”
Walle emphasized that water infrastructure remains one of his top legislative priorities, particularly for communities that have historically lacked the resources to make large‑scale improvements on their own.
The project with Sunbelt provides 47,000 linear feet, just under 9 miles, of new water lines in Heather Glen.
“The current lines are 50-plus years old, at least back in the 70s and well past its service life,” said Justin Edwards with A&S Engineers.
“We’ll be replacing what used to be a lot of either old cast iron or asbestos concrete and replace it with either C900 PVC or high-density polyethylene plastic pipe,” he said.
That includes approximately 950 connections and the replacement of all water meters that will give more accurate results. They’ll also install additional fire hydrants to increase fire protection.
“That’s really the main crux of the project,” he said. Firemen were having to use water trucks back and forth to help with fires in the area.
Walle also said that many of those in the area were on water wells and were not being well maintained because of the elderly weren’t able to take care of them properly.
With a good economy and lower inflation, the project will cost less, and they will be able to do more than originally planned.
“We’ll order the materials soon so we can lock in those lower prices,” he said.
Edwards said they hope to get started on the project within the next two months depending on how the money will be dispersed either through an escrow account or the Texas Water Development Board recommendation.
“We will keep the system operating while construction is going on, so there is no disruption in service,” Edwards said.
“Clean and dependable water should never be a privilege,” Walle said. “It’s a responsibility we have to our constituents, and I’m proud to stand with these districts as they do this important work.”
Construction and implementation timelines for the projects will be determined by each district as engineering and planning move forward.
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