Brownsville approves $3.5 million contract to build landfill Cell 5

The Brownsville City Commission on April 1 approved a $3,499,347.50 contract with ForEx Construction Group to construct Landfill Cell 5, a roughly 9-acre expansion of the city landfill intended to add disposal capacity and maintain compliance with state and federal environmental requirements.

City officials said the project will include earthworks, structural fill, placement of a barrier/liner, installation of a leachate collection system and associated manholes and access work. Marie Val Guerrero, interim director for engineering and public works, described the scope to commissioners and said the cost falls within the Fiscal Year 2025 capital improvement plan budget.

The contract award was presented as Project 087-25-WPE-IFB. City staff told the commission ForEx Construction Group is a heavy-civil contractor established in 2012 with experience on landfill projects across multiple states; the presentation listed prior public and private landfill clients. Commissioners moved and seconded the contract award and the motion passed by voice vote.

The commission's approval authorizes the city to proceed with construction activities required to expand the landfill disposal area. City staff said the design follows state and federal regulatory requirements for landfill liners and leachate control. No amount beyond the contract price was approved or discussed during the item.

The motion carried by voice vote; the commission did not record individual roll-call tallies during the public discussion. The bid award will proceed to contract execution and scheduling by the city's internal services and public works departments.