Fort Worth pursues $55M in TWDB funding, advances $10.5M PFAS study

Fort Worth pursues $55M in TWDB funding, advances $10.5M PFAS studyThe Fort Worth City Council has authorized a $55 million grant application to the Texas Water Development Board for water supply infrastructure, while simultaneously expanding its ongoing PFAS treatment study and securing land rights for a critical 54-inch transmission main.

Council approved a resolution requesting up to $55 million from the TWDB's Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant.

An amendment added $677,860 to an engineering agreement with Brown and Caldwell for a PFAS treatment study, bringing the total contract to over $10.5 million.

The city authorized eminent domain to acquire easements for Phase 4 of the Northside III 54-Inch Water Transmission Main.

A $5.5 million contract for water meters drew public scrutiny over the necessity and long-term cost of further metering upgrades.

The City of Fort Worth is accelerating its water infrastructure pipeline, greenlighting a suite of funding requests, engineering contracts, and land acquisitions during its June 9, 2026, council meeting. The council unanimously approved a resolution to apply for up to $55 million in financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The funds, sourced from the Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant, will support the Water Department's ongoing capital needs. Reflecting the growing regulatory focus on forever chemicals, the city authorized Amendment No. 5 to an engineering agreement with Brown and Caldwell. The $677,860 addition brings the total contract value for the Emerging Contaminants Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Treatment Study Project to $10,541,377. To support continued growth in North Fort Worth, the council authorized the use of eminent domain to acquire over 178,000 square feet of permanent water main easements and nearly 300,000 square feet of temporary construction easements. The land rights are required for Phase 4 of the Northside III 54-Inch Water Transmission Main project. The project will transport potable water from the Eagle Mountain Water Treatment Plant to retail and wholesale customers bordering the northern city limits. The council also approved a $5.5 million initial-term contract with Badger Meter, Inc. and Thirkettle Corporation (dba Aqua-Metric Sales Company) for water meters and appurtenances. The contract drew pushback during public comment, with resident Adrian Smith questioning the necessity of the expenditure. Smith noted the city had previously updated its metering systems to a digital format and expressed concern that the contract's four renewal options could push the total value beyond $22 million. Other infrastructure approvals passed during the meeting included a $13.1 million contract with William J. Schultz, Inc. for water and sanitary sewer replacements, and the ratification of over $1 million in emergency contracts for water main and pavement repairs stemming from a January 2026 winter storm.