- May 7, 2025
HCDD1 Applauds Legislature for Passing Historic Flood Financing Bill
Delta Region Water Management Project now eligible for FIF Funding
Hidalgo County, Texas – The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1) is pleased to announce the historic passage of S.B. 1967, which allows the Delta Region Water Management Project to qualify for funding under the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF).
The legislation passed with the support of the local delegation, including Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Adam Hinojosa, Representatives Armando “Mando” Martinez, Terry Canales, Oscar Longoria, R.D. “Bobby” Guerra and Sergio Muñoz. S.B. 1967 amends the state’s water code to expand the criteria for projects that are eligible for FIF funding, which is administered by the Texas Water Development Board.
“The historic piece of legislation is the result of many people working together, including Sen. Charles Perry and Rep. Cody Harris, both chairmen of the respective Senate and House committees that the legislation coursed through,” Raul Sesin, General Manager of the HCCD1, said.
The next step will be for the Senate to concur with any House changes and lastly the bill will be sent to the Governor for his signature.
“I want to personally thank Chairman Charles Perry and Chairman Cody Harris, Sen. Chuy Hinojosa, Sen. Adam Hinojosa, Rep. Mando Martinez, Rep. Terry Canales, Rep. Oscar Longoria, Rep. Bobby Guerra and Rep. Sergio Muñoz, for all of their hard work on this critical piece of legislation,” David Fuentes, Hidalgo County Commissioner Pct. 1, said. “Today, we have reached a milestone that has been years in the making for the Delta Region Water Management Project. We will now be able to apply for funding under the FIF program and bring this project closer to fruition.”
The Delta Region Water Management Project is a first-of-its-kind regional water supply and flood mitigation project located in the northernmost areas of Hidalgo County and southern Willacy County. This forward-thinking reclamation project will capture and treat water from a major HCDD1 drainage outfall channel, alleviating floods while creating a new water source for the region. Waters captured include stormwater, agricultural runoff, and treated wastewater effluent discharges.
“I am proud to be part of the legislation providing a generational change for the Rio Grande Valley. This legislation addresses the flooding issues that we have experienced over the past decades. While addressing the flooding issues, the legislation will also create a new water source to address the water shortages we are facing now and in the future. This legislation will allow us to create a new water source for residents in the Rio Grande Valley. I am also proud of amending current State law to allow the reclamation project to progress. Without the changes in State law, the reclamation project would face challenges obtaining funding from the State of Texas. None of this would be possible without the hard work of County Commissioner David Fuentes, the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, the elected officials from the Rio Grande Valley, and many others who joined together for this new and innovative project,” Rep. Martinez said.
The Delta Project is the first stormwater reclamation project by a drainage district in Texas. Current TWDB programs do not support this type of innovative project and sponsor (HCDD1). HCDD1 is a newly approved, wholesale water provider. With funding assistance, HCDD1 can construct the first water treatment plant, produce the much-needed potable water, establish a customer base, create a model for others to follow, and alleviate the dependence on the Rio Grande River. This will boost the local economy and give more water security to the Rio Grande Valley.
“Addressing water challenges across the state is a priority this session. I was proud to author SB 1967, which makes the Hidalgo County Drainage District Delta Project eligible for funding from the Flood Infrastructure Fund, managed by the Texas Water Development Board. This project has two main goals: 1. improving our drainage system and capturing water that would otherwise flow to the Gulf; and 2. treating the water for distribution to suppliers for both drinking and non-drinking use. Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes played a key role in advocating for the statute change that makes this project eligible for state funds. I appreciate Rep. Mando Martinez for sponsoring this bill in the House and thank our colleagues in the Legislature for their support. I look forward to getting the bill to Governor Abbott’s desk soon,” Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa said.
With the Governor’s approval, the legislation will become effective on September 1, 2025, allowing the project to qualify during the next FIF funding cycle.
About the FIF – Passed by the 86th Texas Legislature and approved by Texas voters through a constitutional amendment, the FIF program provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects.