Engineers warn delays on San Ignacio plant and northwest booster station could jeopardize grant eligibility

A Premier Engineering representative told the Zapata County Commissioners Court on Nov. 25 that two water‑system projects are behind schedule and could threaten the county’s ability to secure future grant funding.

The engineer reported the San Ignacio water plant is about 50% complete; work reported included sandblasting and painting of the clarifier. The court discussed a payment application (pay app #7) associated with that project; the amount as stated in the transcript was unclear and will need confirmation from project billing documents.

On the northwest booster station, the engineering representative and commissioners said materials and pumps have been delayed by the supplier, pushing completion beyond the contract target and likely jeopardizing CDBG/Colonia grant eligibility and the county’s ability to apply successfully for similar grants in the coming cycle. The court approved payment application #6 for $95,570 as recorded in the meeting transcript while acknowledging the project remains behind schedule.

Commissioners said they will coordinate with the contractor, the grant administrator and the funding agency to document delays and seek remedies. The court also discussed arranging a walkthrough to verify progress before final payments are processed.

What happens next: The county will confirm pay‑application amounts with the project manager and the engineer, document the delay for grant administrators, and pursue corrective steps to protect future grant eligibility.