Project that could ‘revolutionize regional water supply’ in RGV will soon qualify for state funding

AUSTIN, Texas – Legislation is headed to Governor Abbott’s desk for signature that will allow the Delta Region Water Management Project to qualify for state funding.

The Delta project is one of the top priorities for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1). Previously, the project did not qualify for funding from the Texas Water Development Board’s Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF).

Senate Bill 1967, authored by state Sen. Juan Hinojosa changes that. It amends the state’s water code to expand the criteria for projects that are eligible for FIF funding. The bill has now passed both the Senate and the House. In the House it was favorably amended by state Rep. Armando Martinez.

Hinojosa said the legislation expands the definition of a “flood project” to include those that control and repurpose floodwater and stormwater for drinking and other uses.

“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 and other Texas Water Development Board funds,” Hinojosa said.

“This project has two main goals: improving our drainage system and capturing water that would otherwise flow to the Gulf and treating the water for distribution to suppliers for both drinking and non-drinking use. I appreciate Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes for his efforts in advocating for this legislation and thank Rep. Mando Martinez for sponsoring the bill in the Texas House. I look forward to Governor Abbott signing this bill into law.” 

Hinojosa applauded HCDD1 for working on the Delta Reclamation Project. He said it is a significant initiative aimed at reclaiming water from local drainage systems. “This project will help tackle the area’s ongoing flooding issues, which are caused by flat terrain, non-absorbent soils, and long distances to natural water outlets. When completed, the Delta Project will convert daily drainage runoff into a new source of drinking water while also providing flood mitigation through proposed detention ponds,” a press release from Hinojosa’s office stated.

Hinojosa pointed out that in 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature passed SB 7, which created the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) to help communities develop drainage and flood control projects. Hinojosa was a joint author of the legislation. He said the fund provides financial assistance—through grants and zero-interest loans—to cities, counties, and other organizations working to improve flood management and water resources. 

Commissioners Fuentes’ analysis

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Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes made an impassioned plea for FIF funding when he testified before a Senate committee earlier this legislative session. Appearing before the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuentes said the Delta Region Water Management Project would be a game changer for the Rio Grande Valley.

“We are working very hard this session to pursue the funding needed to turn this project into a reality But we are still facing the same challenges I mentioned to you over a year ago because of its unique and first-of-its-kind nature, this project and its sponsor do not fit the typical metrics and criteria currently used by the FIF program, or the FIF program by the Texas Water Development Board for funding,” Fuentes told the committee.

“This is a major roadblock. We need revised rules and a criterion to allow for the Texas Water Development Board investment in innovative projects such as this one. Your support to find funding to make this forward-thinking project a reality and build a more resilient water supply for the region is absolutely necessary and needed.”

State Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock chairs the Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs panel. He appeared sympathetic to Fuentes’ cause.

“We’re listening. We hear you,” Perry said. “Hopefully this session, by May, you will have an avenue to address funding for some of your projects. We’re looking into those criteria. I don’t know how it fits under FIF today, but we can check into that, see what those roadblocks are.”

Fuentes described the Delta Region Water Management Project as an innovative water supply initiative. “This groundbreaking project is set to revolutionize regional water supply in northern Hidalgo County and southern Willacy County. With a budget of $221 million, the project encompasses the establishment of multiple cutting-edge water treatment plants (WTP) and off-line regional detention facilities. These facilities will be strategically located in four key areas: Delta, Santa Cruz, Carlton Barth, and Willacy County. Once completed, the project will have the capacity to provide clean, reliable water to an impressive population of 72,000 residents.”

Fuentes said he was pleased and relieved to see the legislation pass.

“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,” Fuentes 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.”

General Manager Sesin’s analysis

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Raul Sesin, general manager of the HCCD1, agreed with Fuentes that the legislation is critical.

“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,” Sesin said.

Sesin said the Delta Project is the first stormwater reclamation project by a drainage district in Texas. He pointed out that HCDD1 is now a newly approved, wholesale water provider. With funding assistance, he said 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. He said this will boost the local economy and give more water security to the Rio Grande Valley.

“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,” a press release from Hidalgo County stated.

“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.”

Rep. Martinez’s analysis

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Rep. Martinez sponsored SB 1967 in the Texas House. He added an amendment that authorizes water supply projects that contain a flood control component to be eligible for financial assistance from the State Water Implementation Fund (SWIFT) and the Water Supply Account within the Water Loan Assistance Fund.

“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,” Martinez said.

“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.”

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.

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