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Perry Wants Texas Voters To OK Water Referendum

AUSTIN (AP) - Gov. Rick Perry is again urging voters to approve an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would use $2 billion from the state's rainy day fund to pay for major water infrastructure projects.

The Republican spoke to reporters Wednesday near a dam along the Colorado River, which a punishing ongoing drought has helped ensure is now 45 feet below normal October levels.

The referendum appears on the Nov. 5 ballot.

If approved, it would authorize a one-time payment from the rainy day fund designed to ensure Texas' water needs are met for the next 50 years.

Perry called that "seed money" that would ultimately help spur $30 billion worth of water projects statewide.

He is a strong advocate of the plan because it authorizes more spending without raising taxes.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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