Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – In a momentous event hosted by Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, a groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10 am to kick off the first project under the 2023 Drainage Bond Program.
Over the past several years, Precinct 4 and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 have tirelessly worked on improving drainage infrastructure, leveraging in-house projects and funds from the 2018 Bond, along with state and federal resources. These combined efforts have successfully brought numerous drainage improvement projects to fruition in the precinct.
Recognizing the ongoing need to fortify major drainage systems and ensure preparedness during severe rainfall events, Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 proposed a drainage bond in the amount of $195 million in 2023. The proposed countywide projects aim to positively impact over 81,095 structures in Hidalgo County, safeguarding an estimated $17.8 billion in assessed property values. The drainage bond was a crucial component of the 2023 Election, received overwhelming support and was successfully passed on May 6, 2023, with no tax impact to Hidalgo County taxpayers.
Commissioner Ellie Torres expressed her gratitude for the community’s support, and stated, “The successful passage of the bond not only reflects the community’s commitment to proactive measures but it allows us to continue the expansion of the South Main Drain. In 2021, thanks to available funds, we initiated the expansion of the South Main Drain along Canton Road, stretching from McColl Road to Cesar Chavez Road. Today, we embark on the next phase, extending the expansion of this drain from Cesar Chavez Road to Valverde Road.”
“In-house projects like this one allows us to not only save money but be able to execute projects quickly, we were able to start this project in just eight months,” said Raul Sesin, General Manager, Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. “This is the first of 26 proposed projects under the 2023 Drainage Bond Program.”
The initial project under the 2023 Drainage Bond Program involves channel improvements, including the widening of the South Main Drain within the existing right of way. Covering a substantial 3.93 miles, this crucial enhancement comes at a cost of $6.7 million dollars, aiming to fortify the region against potential flooding risks.
