Texas Water Development Board Member Resigns

Mary Ann Williamson, whom Gov. Rick Perry appointed to the Texas Water Development Board last summer, has resigned, the governor's office confirmed on Tuesday. 

Williamson was one of three full-time board members heading up the agency, which is the state's main water infrastructure bank. In her resignation letter sent Jan. 13 to Perry, Williamson wrote, "As a result of recent developments and after thoughtful consideration, I will resign as a member of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) effective January 31, 2014. I believe this will be in the agency's best interest as I am unable to commit the necessary time to be a member of a full-time board."

Her departure comes at a key moment for the once-obscure TWDB, which has gained significant publicity over the past year after lawmakers overhauled its structure during the 2013 legislative session. The agency is also responsible for administering $2 billion in loans for water projects that Texans approved in November's constitutional elections. 

Williamson was appointed by Perry along with Bech Bruun, formerly of Perry's appointments office, and Carlos Rubinstein, a former member of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She is the widow of the late Ric Williamson, a former state legislator and close friend of Perry.