Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González | Texas Border Business
WESLACO, Texas — Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said Weslaco is pursuing state and federal funding to accelerate major infrastructure improvements, emphasizing that outside financial support will be essential to completing the city’s long-term drainage strategy.
In an exclusive interview, Gonzalez said local resources alone are insufficient to address all of Weslaco’s infrastructure needs, which he estimates exceed $100 million.
“We’re going after every funding opportunity available,” Gonzalez said, explaining that the city has been working to position projects for consideration under state and federal infrastructure programs.
The mayor recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where he met with federal officials to advocate for funding for three major drainage projects: Plaza, Agostadero and Paisano.
According to Gonzalez, those projects represent some of the city’s highest priorities because they address areas that have experienced repeated flooding.
He said securing federal participation would allow Weslaco to move forward more quickly while reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.
Gonzalez said the city has adopted a proactive strategy by completing engineering and design work before construction funding becomes available.
That approach, he said, allows projects to become “shovel-ready,” making them more competitive when grant opportunities arise.
The mayor also said Weslaco has been working with members of the Texas congressional delegation to advance its infrastructure priorities.
According to Gonzalez, Congressman Henry Cuellar has pledged to assist the city in pursuing federal support for drainage improvements as part of the regional effort to address flooding across South Texas.
Gonzalez said flooding is not unique to Weslaco and requires cooperation among federal, state, county and municipal governments.
He said infrastructure investments made today will produce long-term benefits by protecting homes, supporting business growth and strengthening public safety.
The mayor emphasized that engineering, planning and responsible financial management remain central to the city’s approach.
He said every proposed project is evaluated according to its long-term value and its ability to reduce flood risk for residents.
“We’re not going to rest until we get these projects done,” Gonzalez said.
The mayor added that his administration will continue pursuing available funding while advancing engineering work so projects can proceed without unnecessary delays once financial assistance is secured.
He said the city’s objective is to complete infrastructure improvements correctly and as efficiently as possible, ensuring public investments provide lasting benefits for future generations.
This article is Part 9 of The Weslaco Infrastructure Initiative, a Texas Border Business special report examining the city’s long-term strategy for infrastructure investment, flood mitigation and sustainable growth through exclusive interviews with Mayor Adrian Gonzalez.
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