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City Council approves NBU request to pursue up to $6 million in state water infrastructure funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Charlcee Cervantez
Senior Communications Specialist
830.312.7915 | communications@nbutexas.com

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (June 1, 2026) – New Braunfels City Council approved a request from New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) to move forward with an application for up to $6 million in state funding through the Texas Water Development Board Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant Program established under House Bill 500 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

The proposed funding would support maintenance and rehabilitation efforts for aging water infrastructure within NBU’s existing system, helping strengthen long-term reliability while reducing financial impact on customers.

As a publicly owned utility, NBU is required to obtain City Council authorization before submitting this type of funding application.

“This is about taking care of the infrastructure our community depends on every day while remaining mindful of customer costs,” said Ryan Kelso, chief executive officer of NBU. “Pursuing outside funding opportunities like this allows us to proactively maintain and strengthen our system while helping reduce the financial burden on our customers.”

The funding would help offset costs associated with maintaining existing infrastructure and addressing aging system components before larger, more costly issues arise.

“Pursuing grant funding is one of the ways we work to maximize the value of customer dollars while continuing to invest in critical infrastructure. These opportunities can help reduce financing needs and support the long-term financial sustainability of the utility,” said Jessica Williams, chief financial officer of NBU.

The application request was approved by City Council on May 11, 2026. If awarded, the funds must be utilized by 2031.

As a non-profit, New Braunfels Utilities continues to prioritize responsible infrastructure investment, operational reliability and long-term planning to support the needs of New Braunfels residents today and into the future.

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About New Braunfels Utilities:

New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) is a not-for-profit, community-owned provider of electric, water and wastewater services. NBU strives to be a trusted community partner with a mission of providing resilient essential services to over 60,000 customers. Utility revenues are continually invested back into the very systems that provide electricity and water to our customers’ homes and businesses. Additionally, New Braunfels Utilities makes an annual transfer to the City of New Braunfels, which in turn helps to pay for services such as fire, police and city parks. NBU is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of the mayor and four appointed residents. Visit nbutexas.com to learn more about our services and follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on X at @nbutexas or on Instagram at @nbutexas.