Texas Border Business
Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1) is pleased to announce the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has awarded the district a $15 million grant for the construction of the Delta Region Water Management Project. These funds were previously allocated by lawmakers during the 89th Texas Legislative Regular Session last year.
The Board of Directors awarded the $15 million grant at its regular board meeting held in Austin. County officials thanked the agency, Senators Joan Huffman and Charles Perry, Rep. Cody Harris and the local Hidalgo County legislative delegation, including Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez, for their tireless efforts in getting the funding approved in the General Appropriations Act.
The project is a first-of-its-kind regional water supply and flood mitigation project located in the northernmost areas of Hidalgo County and southern Willacy County.
“With the partnership of local officials and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, I am incredibly proud to share our achievement in the approval of $15,000,000 for the Delta Region Water Management Project in the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1,” said Rep. Martinez. “During the course of multiple Legislative sessions, we have fought for infrastructure development and investment for the Rio Grande Valley’s water and wastewater systems. This is a huge step forward as we continue to advocate for South Texas’ quality of life.”
The reclamation project involves the capture and treatment of water from a major HCDD1 drainage outfall channel, alleviating floods while creating a new water source for the region. Local officials have hailed the project as a solution that will help capture stormwater on a regional scale to mitigate flooding, while also providing a new water supply source.
“The Delta Reclamation Project is a forward-thinking strategy that Texas needs. It captures stormwater, treats it, and delivers it to customers,” said Sen. Hinojosa. “This is a win-win for communities facing ongoing droughts and growing demand.”
The HCDD1 completed a successful pilot project to test the feasibility of the project in 2024 and the TWDB awarded it the prestigious 2023 Texas Rain Catcher Award.
“This $15 million grant from the Texas Water Development Board is a monumental win for our region. The Delta Region Water Management Project is a true first-of-its-kind solution that not only provides critical flood mitigation but also secures a vital new water source for our communities,” said Raul E. Sesin, PE, General Manager, HCDD1. “We will continue to work to secure the remaining funding necessary to complete this important project. We are deeply thankful to the TWDB, our legislative delegation, and our Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 Board of Directors for their continued support of this innovative, award-winning project.”
Local officials visited the state capitol multiple times during the 89th session to advocate for funding. Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes testified before the Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
“This funding is the result of years of collaboration between Hidalgo County, the Drainage District, and our legislative partners,” said Commissioner Fuentes. “Our state leaders understood the urgency and importance of this project, and their support ensures our region has innovative tools to address flooding and water supply challenges.”
For more information on the project visit: www.hcdd1.org.
