New Appointments Focus on Innovation for Texas Coastal Water Management Authority

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Antonio Santana and Hannah Kaplan to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors, with terms running through April 2027. Jon 'Mark' Sjolander, a current board member, was reappointed for a term ending in April 2026. The authority, based in Harris, Chambers, and Liberty counties, oversees water transport and delivery, a role growing more critical as Texas grapples with environmental and population pressures.

These appointments, awaiting Texas Senate confirmation, come at a time when coastal water management faces unprecedented challenges. Rising sea levels, frequent flooding, and strained water supplies are testing the region’s infrastructure. The new board members bring diverse expertise, from technology and sustainable aquaculture to local resource management, signaling a focus on innovative solutions.

Antonio Santana, based in Mont Belvieu, serves as senior director of information technology at Xylem Inc., a company specializing in water technology. With a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and an executive MBA in strategic leadership, Santana’s technical background could steer the authority toward data-driven water management strategies. His role may prove vital as the board navigates infrastructure upgrades in a digitally complex era.

Hannah Kaplan, a Houston resident, founded Texas Sustainable Oysters in 2020, pioneering oyster mariculture in the state. Her work in aquaculture, coupled with her involvement in the Texas Aquaculture Association and Gulf Shellfish Farmers Association, positions her to advocate for ecosystem-based solutions. Oysters, known for filtering water and protecting shorelines, align with efforts to combat coastal erosion and pollution.

Jon 'Mark' Sjolander, reappointed to the board, owns Sjolander Resources and Development LLC in Dayton. His leadership in the Liberty County Central Appraisal District and Farm Bureau boards reflects deep ties to local land and water issues. Sjolander’s experience may anchor the board’s decisions in the practical needs of the region’s agricultural and industrial stakeholders.

The Coastal Water Authority operates in a region hit hard by climate change. Sea levels along the Texas coast have risen about 9 centimeters over the past 30 years, with Galveston facing some of the worst flooding risks. Coastal flooding events are now five times more frequent than in the 1950s, driven by intense storms and high tides. Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources threatens drinking water and farmland, while ocean acidification harms shellfish populations critical to the Gulf economy.

Population growth adds another layer of strain. Texas’ population is projected to surge, yet water supplies could drop 18% by 2070 without new infrastructure. The Texas Water Development Board estimates a need for 6.9 million acre-feet of additional water by then to avoid shortages. In Harris County, home to Houston, balancing urban, industrial, and environmental water needs is a growing challenge for the authority.

Kaplan’s expertise in oyster mariculture highlights a promising avenue for coastal resilience. Oysters filter up to 50 gallons of water daily, improving water quality, and their reefs shield shorelines from erosion. With 85% of global oyster reefs lost to overharvesting and climate impacts, farmed oysters can restore ecosystems while supporting local economies. The U.S. oyster market is expected to grow to 2.4 million tons by 2033, driven by sustainable practices like those Kaplan champions.

Beyond aquaculture, Texas is investing in broader water solutions. A 2023 voter-approved $1 billion fund and a 2025 Senate bill prioritize desalination, water recycling, and new reservoirs. A proposed constitutional amendment could secure $1 billion annually for a decade to bolster the Texas Water Fund. These efforts aim to create a statewide water grid, connecting wetter regions to drier ones, a project the Coastal Water Authority may help shape.

The appointees’ next hurdle is Senate confirmation, a process that blends scrutiny and politics. The Texas Senate Committee on Nominations will review Santana, Kaplan, and Sjolander’s qualifications, likely holding hearings to probe their plans for the authority. Recent confirmations, like that of Justin Berry to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, show how divisive the process can be, with debates often reflecting broader state priorities.

Confirmation votes occur during regular legislative sessions or special sessions called by the governor. Appointees may need to disclose financial details, ensuring transparency. The process, rooted in Texas’ constitutional checks and balances, aims to ensure the board reflects the state’s diverse needs while advancing effective water management.

The Coastal Water Authority’s new and returning board members step into a high-stakes role. Their decisions will shape how Texas addresses water scarcity, coastal flooding, and ecosystem decline in a region vital to the state’s economy. Santana’s tech expertise, Kaplan’s aquaculture innovation, and Sjolander’s local knowledge offer a mix of perspectives to tackle these issues head-on.

As Texas faces a future of tighter water supplies and rising seas, the authority’s work will test the state’s ability to adapt. With billions in funding on the table and sustainable practices gaining traction, the board’s actions could set a model for balancing growth, conservation, and resilience in one of America’s most dynamic regions.