Texas Border Business
EDCOUCH, Texas – Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 are excited to announce the commencement of the Main Floodwater Channel Expansion Project, a critical drainage infrastructure improvement project aimed at mitigating the impact of future flooding events in Hidalgo County.
To celebrate the commencement of this monumental project, Hidalgo County Precinct 1 and partner entities will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony at 11 am on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, North of FM 1015 in Edcouch, Texas.
“Improving the drainage infrastructure for our residents and businesses has long been a priority, and the project will benefit not only Precinct 1, but will significantly improve drainage capacity countywide, impacting areas of Edinburg, McAllen and Mission,” said Fuentes. “We are extremely appreciative to have received millions in federal funding for this critical project, and we congratulate all partners on this collaborative effort to improve drainage conditions in our area,” he added.
Representatives from the Office of U. S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (Dist. 34) and the Texas General Land Office, who were instrumental in securing the funding for this project, are expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres was also a major proponent of the project and assisted in advocating in support of funding.
The Main Floodwater Channel Expansion Project will have a tremendous mitigation impact in Hidalgo County and the State of Texas. The project will double the existing system’s capacity, providing a significant benefit to low-to-moderate housing in Hidalgo County. Over 225,000 acres of watershed are included in the project. The project will be completed in phases. Phase I, which was awarded $9.86 million by the Texas GLO, will start at the junction of the North Main Drain and Main Floodwater Channel just west of Engelman Garden Road in Northern Hidalgo County. Phase II, which was awarded $9.96 million by the Texas GLO, will start at the intersection of the Main Floodwater Channel with Mile 4 in Northern Hidalgo County, expanding the channel for approximately 4 miles and ending at the intersection of the Main Floodway Channel and SH 491.
The expansion will be 4.22 miles in length and will widen from an existing channel width of about 100 feet to nearly 350 feet. The project is estimated to benefit more than 400,000 residents, of which 50% are low- to-moderate income. Once completed, the channel will have approximately three times more flow capacity and approximately two times larger ditch cross- sectional area. The project, including all phases, is expected to be completed in late 2024.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
| DETAILS |
| WHO: Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes, Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Dist. 34, and the Texas General Land Office |
| WHAT: Groundbreaking for Floodwater Channel Expansion Project |
| WHEN: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. |
| WHERE: North of FM 1015 in Edcouch, TX |
