Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González | Texas Border Business
WESLACO, Texas — Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said Weslaco is studying ways to transform stormwater from a flood-control challenge into a long-term resource that could support agriculture, industry and future economic development.
In an exclusive interview, Gonzalez said the city’s expanding network of retention and detention facilities not only reduces flooding but also presents opportunities to capture and reuse water that would otherwise flow through drainage channels and eventually reach the Laguna Madre or other outfalls.
“Water is gold,” Gonzalez said, describing water availability as an increasingly important factor for attracting industrial and manufacturing investment.
According to Gonzalez, the city is working with Hidalgo County Precinct 1 and other regional partners to evaluate methods of retaining stormwater for future use rather than allowing it to leave the watershed.
He said discussions are underway to determine whether stored water could be used for agricultural, industrial or municipal purposes as part of a regional water strategy.
The mayor said Weslaco’s existing retention and detention facilities currently have the capacity to store approximately 288.7 million gallons of water, or more than 700 acre-feet.
Gonzalez said the city is also conducting groundwater studies to better understand available water resources and identify opportunities to strengthen long-term water security.
He said those efforts complement Weslaco’s infrastructure program by addressing both flood mitigation and future water availability.
According to Gonzalez, reliable water supplies are becoming increasingly important as cities compete for new industries and commercial investment.
The mayor said planning for future economic growth requires more than roads and utilities. He said communities must also ensure they have sufficient water resources to support expanding residential development and industrial operations.
Gonzalez said Weslaco’s infrastructure strategy seeks to maximize the long-term value of public investments by combining flood-control improvements with additional resource management initiatives.
He said regional cooperation remains essential because water management extends beyond municipal boundaries. The city continues working with county agencies and other governmental entities to coordinate drainage improvements while exploring opportunities to capture and reuse stormwater.
The mayor said these initiatives are part of a long-term vision that balances public safety with economic development and environmental stewardship.
Gonzalez said Weslaco’s objective is to build infrastructure that not only protects residents during severe weather but also strengthens the city’s competitiveness for future investment.
This article is Part 4 of Transforming Weslaco, a 10-part Texas Border Business special report examining the city’s long-term strategy for infrastructure, growth, and economic development through exclusive interviews with Mayor Adrian Gonzalez.
See related stories:
