Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced $3,000,000 in federal funding from the Bureau of Reclamation for Brownsville Public Utilities Board’s (BPUB) Resaca de la Guerra Resilience and Restoration Project.
This is part of a nationwide investment aimed at increasing water reliability and advancing ecosystem health. Funding for this grant comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Gonzalez supported in 2021.
“I’m proud to announce this funding and will continue to work to secure additional resources for the Resaca Restoration Project.” said Congressman Gonzalez. “We must conserve Brownsville’s unique and historic resacas so that future generations can experience their natural beauty and environmental benefits. Not only do they help shape Brownsville’s unique landscape, but they also mitigate flooding and are vital to our local ecosystem.”
“Receiving this Notice of Funding Opportunity is a step closer to achieving our objective of restoring and protecting the Resaca de la Guerra. Through nature-based solutions and intentional infrastructure improvements, this project addresses the environmental challenges that have affected the resaca for years, and supports our ongoing efforts to keep utility rates low for our customers.’’ Mayor of Brownsville and BPUB Board Member, John F. Cowen, Jr., said. ‘’ By minimizing costly repairs and reducing the need for extensive water control measures, we are investing in long-term cost savings that will directly ensure our water rates remain low while effectively managing our precious resources.’’
BPUB’s Resaca Restoration Project will restore local habitat by removing invasive plant-life and replanting native species, clean up trash and debris from runoff entering the resaca, and add walking trails.
In 2024, Congressman Gonzalez proudly secured an additional $2 million for BPUB’s Resaca Restoration Project through Community Project Funding as part of his efforts to bring over $15 million for public safety and critical infrastructure improvements across South Texas.
