The RANGE has named Floyd Hartman as its new Principal Investigator of Water Stewardship, launching a major regional effort focused on protecting the long-term economic future of the Texas Panhandle.
The initiative comes as the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer continues to pose an accelerating challenge across the High Plains. In response, The RANGE is undertaking a comprehensive regional economic assessment of water to quantify how aquifer health impacts jobs, land values, and overall economic output across the Panhandle.
Hartman brings decades of experience in water planning and utility management to the role. He recently retired after more than 20 years with the City of Amarillo, where he served in leadership positions spanning planning, operations, and strategic water supply management. He also previously worked with the City of Canyon and has roots as a Panhandle rancher.
“Water leaders across the Panhandle know Floyd, and they trust his depth of experience,” said Matt Garner, Executive Director of The RANGE. “He understands both the technical and economic dimensions of water management. His leadership will help us move from discussion to measurable strategy.”
Most recently, Hartman served as Special Advisor to Amarillo’s Water and Sewer Utilities teams, overseeing water supply for more than 200,000 residents and helping execute infrastructure projects valued between $600 million and $1 billion. His work helped secure long-term regional access to 4 trillion gallons of water through the city’s agreement with Mesa Water Inc..
At The RANGE, Hartman will help develop an integrated economic-water model to guide long-term planning, including defining the economic value of water, shaping a 30-year water-secure vision, and evaluating investment strategies that strengthen resilience.
