The newly launched West Texas Water Research Center (WTWRC) at Sul Ross State University is gaining traction, with interim leadership in place, a respected research scientist joining the team, and an inclusive planning process underway. Based within Sul Ross’s Borderlands Research Institute (BRI), the center was established through a challenge grant from the Horizon Foundation and aims to address the region’s most pressing water issues—including availability, recharge, and sustainability—through science-based solutions.
Billy Tarrant, Associate Director of the Center for Land Stewardship and Stakeholder Engagement at BRI, has been appointed Interim Director. Tarrant brings more than 30 years of experience working with landowners and conservation partners in West Texas.
“I’m honored to help stand up one of the most important resources West Texans have seen in a long time,” said Tarrant. “Having the WTWRC based at Sul Ross—and locally managed—means we can work side-by-side with the people and communities most directly impacted by water challenges.”
Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk, Professor of Geology and Director of the Rio Grande Research Center, joins as Senior Research Scientist. A Sul Ross faculty member for 34 years, Urbanczyk has conducted extensive work on surface and groundwater systems across the region, including research for the Texas Water Development Board and binational collaborations on the Rio Grande.
“Our region faces growing pressures on both surface water and groundwater,” Urbanczyk said. “Building a strong local knowledge base will help guide decisions that secure West Texas’ water future.”
The WTWRC has initiated a community “listening tour” that will engage groundwater districts, municipalities, landowners, and agency partners to help shape the center’s mission and research priorities. “This is a service-oriented research center,” said Dr. Louis Harveson, Director of the BRI. “Listening to people in the community will ensure the WTWRC delivers meaningful benefits to West Texas.”
A draft strategic plan and the next Water in the Desert conference are both expected in early 2026.
The project is backed by several philanthropic organizations, including the Horizon Foundation, Still Water Foundation, Meadows Foundation, Dixon Water Foundation, and Shield-Ayres Foundation.
“With strong leadership in place, a growing network of supporters, and a clear plan to engage the community, the WTWRC is on track to make a real and lasting impact,” Harveson added.
The Borderlands Research Institute, founded in 2007, has played a central role in promoting land stewardship and conservation in the Chihuahuan Desert through research, education, and collaboration with landowners and partner organizations.
