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Harlingen authorizes submission of up to five BRIC grant applications for major drainage projects
Summary
City staff told commissioners the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program could fund up to $20M per award with a 25% local match; the commission authorized submission of up to five applications for shovel‑ready drainage projects.
Harlingen city staff told the commission April 15 they will apply to the federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program for major drainage improvements and that the program's maximum award is $20 million with a required 25% local match.
Staff outlined candidate projects that could strengthen the city's trunk drainage network and reduce flooding risk, including improvements along Commerce (a trunk line from Arroyo Colorado north), Jefferson storm drainage improvements (benching and widening a ditch), a 21st‑Street drainage improvement that would benefit roughly 2,000 homes, and a West Street/Commerce area trunk replacement. Staff said some projects are shovel‑ready and that partnering with local drainage districts could strengthen applications.
Commissioners discussed how the local match might be funded if a project is selected; staff suggested using fund balance or issuing debt if necessary and noted the Harlingen EDC is unlikely to provide match funding unless a project is tied directly to job creation. Commissioners voted to authorize the city manager to submit up to five BRIC applications.
Next steps: staff will refine project lists, coordinate with drainage districts where appropriate and prepare full grant applications for submittal before the program deadline.
