Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1) has secured a Top 10 position in the draft 2024-2025 Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) Project Prioritization List, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).
The project is the “2023 Bond Projects 4 and 5 – North Main Drain,” which was ranked number 8 on the list. The publication of the draft list is the first step to secure funding and now moves into a public comment period that will run from February 6, 2025, and end on March 10, 2025. The TWDB will consider public comments and finalize the prioritization list. The entities ranked in the final list will then receive an invitation to formally submit applications for available funding.
The proposed project will provide enhancements to a channel known as the North Main Drain, increasing its capacity by millions of cubic yards. This is a regional project that was approved by voters under a 2023 bond program and is currently in the design phase, with right of way in place, Hidalgo County officials added.
“We are thrilled to be included in this draft list and the fact that we ranked in the Top 10 really increases our chances of bringing these much-needed funds to Hidalgo County,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said.
“The project mitigates flooding from high intensity, short duration rain events that have been experienced more frequently in recent years,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres said.
“This will provide immediate flood control benefits. The proposed project will significantly improve Hidalgo County’s existing drainage infrastructure and create regional flood mitigation benefits,” Ever Villarreal, Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 3, said.
“Hidalgo County has been hit by catastrophic floods, severely affecting homes and businesses, in recent years. The bonds for these flood-control infrastructure projects were overwhelmingly endorsed by local voters, demonstrating a high level of community support,” Eddie Cantu, Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 2, said.
“The funding of this project will be a significant step towards alleviating flooding in our community and enhancing the environment, the economy, and the lives of residents in Hidalgo County,” David Fuentes, Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 1, said. “I look forward to working with the TWDB and HCDD1 to keep this project advancing in the process.”
Public comments may be submitted to FIF@twdb.texas.gov.
About the FIF – Passed by the 86th Texas Legislature and approved by Texas voters through a constitutional amendment, the FIF program provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects.
