McALLEN, TX - This Friday, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place for the long-awaited Raymondville Drain Project, a 63 mile drainage improvement system that will benefit Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties. As the largest regional project in the Rio Grande Valley, there has been significant public and governmental support for this project as it will allow for the future economic growth of our cities and communities by decreasing detrimental flooding events.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement in anticipation of Friday's groundbreaking:

"The Raymondville Drain project is a huge undertaking of enormous significance that will provide storm water management to our entire region and will continue the economic growth of our communities. The groundbreaking ceremony today is an important milestone in seeing this project come to fruition.

Thank you to Hidalgo County, Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Joseph Palacios, our local state and federal legislative delegation, as well as the citizens of Hidalgo County who have voted to support this project through local bonds."

Recently, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved $4.5 million in funding for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to finance costs of the multi-phase drainage project known as the Raymondville Drain Project for Flood Control. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa was instrumental in authoring and securing a budget rider last session for this funding that directs the TWDB to allocate these funds. In the last biennium, the TWDB also allocated $5.6 million as a result of the same budget rider; and this past spring, TCEQ announced a $7 million grant from the Texas RESTORE Act grants made possible through the efforts of Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 and Senator Hinojosa.

The Raymondville Drain groundbreaking event will take place on Friday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m. in Edinburg close to FM 2812 and Seminary Road.

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