Cameron County irrigation district secures $2.65 million to cover canals

SAN BENITO, Texas – In the same week Congressman Vicente Gonzalez met with leaders from Cameron County Drainage District 2 for an in-depth discussion on water policy, he announced two major grants for the organization. 

Gonzalez said CCID2 would receive $1.65 million through the Inflation Reduction Act and $1 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Gonzalez voted to pass both pieces of legislation. 

“This funding will save hundreds of acre-feet of water annually, helping to secure our water future in the RGV,” Gonzalez said, pointing out that the funding will allow CCID2 to close open canals and line pipelines to prevent water loss from evaporation.

“Unfortunately, South Texans are no stranger to the issues of water shortage,” Gonzalez said. “For years, communities in the Rio Grande Valley have been plagued by decreasing reservoir levels and drought. That is why I am proud to announce this funding from two pieces of legislation that keep on delivering for South Texas. We will continue the work of modernizing and improving our infrastructure so that future generations no longer have to worry about their water security.” 

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Deputy Commissioner Roque Sanchez was in San Benito with Gonzalez for the announcement of $1 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“With new resources from the Inflation Reduction Act, Reclamation is pleased to support these projects that help our partners invest in infrastructure that conserves and more efficiently moves water,” Sanchez said.

“We recognize that the Rio Grande suffers from prolonged drought impacts that we see in many basins across the West, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to enhance Western communities’ resilience to drought and the effects of climate change.” 

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