Brownsville Water And Wastewater Modernization Project

The City of Brownsville is embarking on a significant initiative to modernize its downtown water and wastewater lines, aiming to enhance service for local businesses and residents. This ambitious $14.5 million project, funded by the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds, is a key component of Brownsville’s broader strategy to upgrade infrastructure citywide.

“This initiative is not just an upgrade; it’s a transformation,” said Commissioner De los Santos. “By enhancing our water and wastewater infrastructure, we are improving service reliability and capacity for our current businesses while laying the groundwork for future development in downtown Brownsville.”

Dubbed the ARPA Downtown Water/Wastewater Improvements Project, this extensive endeavor is divided into two crucial phases. The first phase will see the replacement of approximately 4,000 linear feet of water lines, while the second phase will involve the replacement of 14,000 linear feet of wastewater lines. These upgrades will replace systems that, in some areas, date back to the 1920s.

“The importance of these upgrades cannot be overstated,” emphasized City Manager Helen Ramirez. “Investing in our infrastructure is essential for improving the overall quality of life in Brownsville. These improvements will help us achieve our goal of creating a more livable and attractive City for everyone, whether they are lifelong residents or new businesses looking to call Brownsville home.”

Phase one will focus on several alleyways from East Elizabeth Street to International Boulevard, including East Levee Street to East 10th Street. This phase is expected to be completed by the end of December 2024. The second phase, beginning in January 2025, will target water line improvements from East Washington Street to East Adams Street and several adjacent areas, with completion anticipated by summer 2025.

The ARPA Downtown Water/Wastewater Improvements Project represents a significant step forward in modernizing Brownsville’s infrastructure, ensuring reliable and efficient service for years to come.