Cameron County awards roughly $11.7 million contract for Isla Blanca Park utility improvements
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Summary
The court approved a contract with Mortwill LLC to perform utility improvements at Isla Blanca Park for about $11.69 million; the project is expected to start around Oct. 1 and run 365 calendar days. Commissioner Garza abstained from the vote.
Cameron County commissioners approved a contract with Mortwill LLC for utility improvements at Isla Blanca Park, awarding the project at a contract amount presented as $11,690,054.74 and a construction term of 365 calendar days.
County staff said the contract (listed as contract number 2025C08432 in meeting materials) came in lower than an earlier engineering estimate and that staff would reallocate funds from several previously committed projects and bond proceeds to cover the award. Presenters told the court the county planned to phase construction so that portions of the park could reopen as sections were completed. Staff said the contractor expected to deliver bonds and insurance in the next few days and that an October 1 anticipated start date was the target.
Funding for the project was described during the meeting as a mix of previously allocated CO (certificate of obligation) money from 2024 and 2019, proceeds from bonds, interest earnings, ARPA funds, and internal reallocations from other park projects and warehouse allocations. Staff said the county would return reallocated funds to their original programs as the Isla Blanca project progressed and funds became available.
Legal review was noted on the record before the approval motion. A motion to approve the contract was made by Commissioner Reese and seconded by Commissioner Lopez; the court approved the award with one abstention. Commissioner Garza stated an abstention "out of abundance of caution" and that there was no relation to the contractor, which was reflected in the public record.
Why it matters: Isla Blanca Park is a major county park facility; the contract value and planned source reallocation mean the project will affect capital spending and other park-area projects during construction. Staff emphasized phasing to reduce the impact on park operations.
Next steps: Staff will finalize bonds and insurance with the contractor, complete any outstanding contract paperwork and proceed toward the planned October 1 construction start date if contract requirements are satisfied.
