Weslaco, Hidalgo County Drainage District sign interlocal deal to build regional detention at Paulo Pena Park

The Weslaco City Commission approved an interlocal agreement with Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 on Wednesday to build a regional detention facility (RDF) at Mayor Paulo Pena Park that is part of the Los Casas Los Doritos development.

City staff told the commission the overall construction contract for the project is $4,500,000 and was awarded to Moore Wheel Construction. The interlocal agreement calls for the county drainage district to assist the city with construction work; staff said that component will take about 60 days to complete.

City staff said using the drainage district on the work reduced costs compared with the low bid for the alternate scope and will “save approximately or just a little over a million dollars.” Raul Cezin, a representative of Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, said the district is “here to support the city” and has the manpower to help complete drainage facilities.

Commissioners approved the interlocal agreement by motion; the item passed by voice vote. City staff said a groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled the next morning at 10 a.m.

Why it matters: The RDF is intended to manage stormwater for a multi-parcel development and to reduce flood risk in nearby areas by storing and conveying runoff. Officials said the interlocal approach allowed the city to meet the project schedule and reduce the construction cost compared with the contractor-only alternate price.

What commissioners directed next: staff and the drainage district will proceed under the interlocal agreement; the commission received no amendment requests during the meeting and approved the agreement as presented.

Sources and next steps: Moore Wheel Construction holds the construction contract; the drainage district will complete its assigned work in roughly 60 days, according to staff. The city said saved funds could be used on other drainage projects.