AUSTIN — Yesterday, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) authorized an amendment to the grant agreement for an additional $2 million grant for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 reimbursement planning and design costs for the for the multi-phase drainage project known as the Raymondville Drain Project.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa has been instrumental in securing funding for the local flood control project. Since 2013, Senator Hinojosa has successfully included a budget rider that has resulted in $12.1 million in grant funding for this project. In 2017, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality awarded $7 million for the project from the Texas RESTORE Act grants made possible through the efforts of Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 and Senator Hinojosa. In addition to state grants, local taxpayers have also paid their share by approving $125 million in bonds for this project.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

"I am pleased to announce the Texas Water Development Board approved this $2.0 million grant for the Raymondville Drain Project. The Raymondville Drain Project is a huge undertaking that will provide storm water management to the entire region and will continue the economic growth of our communities.

Over the last few years, we have worked tirelessly to identify and secure sources of available funds that would not burden our taxpayers or Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 with a loan. To date, I have helped secure nearly $20 million in state funding for the Raymondville Drain Project and I am proud of our efforts to provide flood control for our communities."

Once completed, the Raymondville Drain Project will stretch 60 miles from Hidalgo County and empty into the Laguna Madre through Willacy County. The project will have components related to regional storm water management to mitigate the impact of storms. Due to the size of the project and the estimated total construction cost (approximately $418 million), the project has been divided into six major phases to be developed as funds become available. Other components of the Raymondville Drain will include water reuse, water conservation, water supply, and protection and provision for economic development.

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