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Hidalgo County drainage district kicks off flood-infrastructure phase, approves Midway Drain amendment and pump purchase
Summary
The Hidalgo County Drainage District reported the start of construction on the first phase of a long‑planned flood infrastructure project funded in part by a 2018 award. The board approved a local amendment for the Midway Drain Project, awarded a pump purchase contract, and approved several construction payments and closing documents.
The Hidalgo County Drainage District board on April 20 announced the impending start of the first construction phase of a flood‑infrastructure project funded through awards from 2018 and approved several related procurement and payment items.
The district’s general manager told the board the first phase will begin soon and summarized the financing for the program as $32,600,000 total comprising a $22,800,000 loan and a $9,800,000 grant (figures stated by staff). The manager also noted ongoing right‑of‑way acquisitions and earlier grant awards that enabled the work to proceed.
Board members approved a first amendment to a local agreement with Don Irrigation regarding the Midway Drain Project. The board also approved a purchase of five flow pumps from CB3 Consultants LLC (purchase described under contract number 250104). Staff said the pump specifications mirror existing IBWC structures to simplify maintenance and spare‑parts compatibility.
The board approved multiple contractor payment applications and closing documents related to ongoing drainage bond projects (items listed in the meeting packet; application numbers and contractor names were read into the record). The court also authorized payments to several special commissioners appointed in condemnation proceedings.
During the update, staff referenced House Bill 3915 (identified in the meeting transcript as “house bill 39 15”) by Representative Martinez and thanked local legislators for work to make certain water and flood projects eligible for the state’s infrastructure funding programs. Staff characterized that bill as a potential funding opportunity for the district’s water‑producing and flood‑mitigation projects if it advances through the legislative process.
No public comment specific to the drainage items was recorded. Several consent and payment items carried on voice votes with motions and seconds; commissioners noted a small number of abstentions on specific consent items as recorded in the minutes.
The board went into closed session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 and returned to authorize an action discussed in closed session (the record notes the motion passed on a voice vote).
