Bentsen family: Why we donated the land for Edinburg’s new one million gallon water tower

EDINBURG, Texas – Pam Bentsen Havens and her mother, Marge Bentsen, have explained why they donated land for a million gallon water tower in north Edinburg.

They said it was the right thing to do for the community. Here is the interview:

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The Bentsens gave the Rio Grande Guardian an exclusive interview at the conclusion of a ribbon-cutting ceremony the City of Edinburg held to unveil the new water tower.

The new water tower cost $5 million to build. The money came from the City of Edinburg and Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.

Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza described the new water tower as a “major infrastructure project” that “reflects the continued growth and resilience” of the city. 

“Today we celebrate the completion of this new water tower, an investment that will strengthen our city’s water system, help us meet the demands of our growing population and ensure that our residents and businesses continue to receive the reliable service they deserve,” Garza said.

“This project is more than just the concrete and steel that you see behind me. It’s about planning for the future and ensuring that our infrastructure keeps pace with the progress we are seeing across our community.”

Garza continued: “As we continue to welcome new families, new businesses and new developments, we also recognize the importance of reinforcing the systems that support daily life. Clean, dependable water is one of the most critical services that we can provide, and this water tower is an essential commitment to that.”

Garza thanked the Bentsen family and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation for its investment in the project.

“This is yet another step forward in our efforts to build a stronger, smarter Edinburg. And, we’re not done. We will continue investing in infrastructure, improving services, and making sure that Edinburg remains a city we can all be proud to call home,” Garza added.

‘A Godsend for this side of town’

Raudel Garza is executive director of Edinburg EDC. He said “great infrastructure” is necessary to continue addressing the growth that Edinburg has been seeing for the last few years. He noted that Edinburg is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas.

“Obviously, infrastructure is very important for us to continue to grow and service not just the residents, but also commercial and industrial development. And so this water tower specifically will be addressing the needs of the north side of town. It will be increasing the water pressure that’s around this area. It will increase the capacity for folks who are looking to expand their businesses. It will increase everything in terms of allowing more property to be developed in the future,” Raudel Garza said.

Raudel Garza continued: “And so this one million gallon water tower is just a godsend for this side of town and for the continued growth of Edinburg. Obviously, the city council saw that, and they are trying to keep up and making sure that they’re keeping up with the infrastructure needs of the community. And then the Edinburgh Economic Development Corporation also played a role in it, in funding a portion of the $5 million price tag for this water tower.”

Asked to comment on all the developments occurring on the north side of town, Raudel Garza said:

“Edinburg, obviously, is landlocked on the south side of town, because Pharr and McAllen are there. But to the west, north and the east Edinburg can continue to grow our ETJ (extra territorial jurisdiction). Our five mile ETJ really goes way out above and to the north and northeast of the airport, for example,” Raudel Garza said.

“We have a 250-acre industrial park that’s almost fully developed. We have a lot of new commercial development around the Monte Cristo and Closner area, so Business 281. And then along the expressway. There’s so much opportunity along the expressway in terms of future growth.”

Raudel Garza said Edinburg has seen lot of new subdivisions on the northwest and northeast sides of town.

“Edinburg has just continued to grow, kind of like a big ball that gets rolling down the hill. So we’re excited that that the council recognizes the need for this infrastructure and adding to the continued growth of the community.”

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