Speaking at the Texas Water Conservation Association Conference, Perry asked for that funding to be provided to a new infrastructure account to speed the construction of water reservoir sites.
"The issues that surround our need for water demand frank conversations, visionary planning and tough choices," Perry said.
Water demand will increase 18 percent over the next 50 years from 18.3 million acre-feet per year in 2010 to 21.6 million acre-feet per year in 2060, according to the governor. In the same amount of time, the Texas population is projected to double, reaching up to 46 million residents.
In 2001, the Texas Legislature approved a comprehensive water plan for the state but has yet to allocate funding for implementation.
Perry also said the state needs to clarify eminent domain laws as the state works to expand its water infrastructure.
