Floyd Hartman Joins The RANGE to Lead Regional Water & Economic Strategy

Amarillo, TX — The RANGE is proud to announce that Floyd Hartman has joined the organization as Principal Investigator of Water Stewardship. In this role, Hartman will help advance a regional initiative focused on securing the long-term economic future of the Texas Panhandle.

The decline of the Ogallala Aquifer is a well-documented and accelerating challenge across the High Plains. In response, The RANGE is launching a comprehensive regional economic assessment of water—an effort designed to quantify the relationship between aquifer health, jobs, land values, and total economic output across the Panhandle.

Hartman brings decades of leadership in water planning and utility management to this work. He recently retired after more than 20 years with the City of Amarillo, serving in roles spanning planning, operations, and strategic water supply management. His career also includes service with the City of Canyon and earlier roots as a Panhandle rancher.

“Water leaders across the Panhandle know Floyd, and they trust his depth of experience,” said Matt Garner, Ph.D., 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.”

During his time with the City of Amarillo, Hartman most recently served as Special Advisor to the Water and Sewer Utilities teams, overseeing water supply for a community of more than 200,000 residents. He played a central role in planning and executing water-related infrastructure projects valued between $600 million and $1 billion. His work contributed to securing 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 lead a coordinated regional collaboration to develop an integrated economic-water model guiding long-term planning.

The initiative will:

Define the true economic value of every gallon across jobs, land equity, and regional output.

Shape a 30-year vision for a water-secure economy grounded in data and collaboration.

Model water’s maximum economic return by evaluating crop systems and investment strategies that strengthen resilience.

“Water is essential not only for our cities, but for our agricultural communities and broader economy,” Hartman said. “If we want to sustain growth, protect land values, and preserve generational opportunity, we must align water management with economic strategy.”

Recent announcements of major data center developments have renewed attention on long-term water sustainability in the Panhandle. Hartman’s leadership will help ensure the region balances growth with stewardship.

“With thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and innovation, we can build a future where both our economy and our aquifer remain strong,” Hartman added.