Nora Martha urges infrastructure improvements to mitigate flooding in San Benito County

Cameron County officials are urged to address critical flooding issues following a recent government meeting where community members highlighted the urgent need for improved drainage infrastructure. Nora Matam, a program coordinator with Border Workers United, emphasized the severe damage caused by flooding in areas like Green Valley Farms in San Benito, noting that half of the human and economic damage over the past 50 years has been linked to water and climate-related events.

Matam pointed out that the frequency of intense storms and heavy rains has increased, with events that once occurred every 15 to 20 years now happening more regularly. She called on county leaders to take action to enhance water drainage systems to mitigate future flooding impacts, stating, "Improving the quality of life for your constituents is your responsibility."

In addition to the flooding discussions, concerns were raised about the potential development of a power system for SpaceX's Starbase. A proposal from 2022 involving a 350-megawatt gas-fired electrical generator to support various facilities, including a methane liquefying plant, was revisited. Community members questioned whether the 20 buildings planned in the dunes would serve as part of this power infrastructure, urging officials to clarify the project's intentions before proceeding.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for infrastructure improvements in Cameron County, with residents advocating for proactive measures to safeguard their communities against the increasing threat of flooding and to ensure transparency regarding future developments.