UTSA
Center for Water Research Awarded First State Funding
(July 30, 2001) The University of Texas at San Antonio's Center for Water
Research (CWR) has received $300,000 from the state to fund research projects
over the next two years.
Center Director Weldon Hammond, recipient of the Amy McNutt and V.H. McNutt
Distinguished Professorship in Geology, says most of the money will be used
to set up research scholarships and the rest to establish doctoral programs
still in development.
"This is the first time we have received funding from the state. We
normally operate on money from research grants," said Hammond. "The
center has been operating by 'feast or famine' since we started with a $400,000
National Science Foundation grant back in 1987."
According to Hammond, the center has seen about $2 million in research funding
over the last decade. CWR, staffed by resident professionals, faculty members
and students, provides a multidisciplinary approach to research and technology
needed to assess water resources and water quality issues.
Hammond, a hydrogeologist, said the future of water planning depends on highly
skilled professionals to assist in local decisions regarding water resources.
CWR has provided technical support to professional, commercial and public
organizations in Central and South Texas.
The CWR's expanded role was announced last year at a public meeting of the Texas Water Development Board held on the UTSA 1604 Campus. The center serves as a information repository and research coordinator for both public and private studies conducted from the Texas Hill Country to Northern Mexico.