Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D) announced $850,000 in federal Community Project Funding for the City of Mercedes to improve its stormwater drainage system, helping reduce flooding risks and strengthen infrastructure following severe weather in the Rio Grande Valley.
What improvements will the project include?
According to the City of Mercedes, the funding will be used to:
- Upgrade stormwater collection and drainage infrastructure.
- Install and expand reinforced concrete storm sewer pipes.
- Construct new manholes and drainage inlets.
- Reconstruct roadways affected by the infrastructure work.
- Improve drainage near South Vermont Street and South Washington Street.
- Upgrade infrastructure along Willacy Street, Heindrick Avenue, and North Street.
- Expand storm sewer capacity and restore roadways along West Third Street and South Colorado Avenue.
The improvements are intended to increase the system's ability to safely collect and discharge stormwater during heavy rain events.
What Gonzalez is saying
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez: "Improving public safety and strengthening our local economy requires resilient infrastructure that can withstand the frequent challenges of extreme weather in South Texas."
Rep. Gonzalez continued: "I proudly fought in Congress for this federal investment to help improve the City's stormwater system and ensure our homes and businesses are protected from heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding."
Local leaders welcome the investment.
Mercedes City Manager Alberto Perez said the funding represents a major investment in the city's long-term resilience.
Alberto Perez: "These federal funds represent a significant investment in public safety, flood mititgation, and the long-term resilience of our city."
Perez added that improving stormwater infrastructure will help protect neighborhoods, businesses, public facilities, and transportation corridors while preparing the city for increasingly intense rainfall across the Rio Grande Valley.
The Bottom Line
Rep. Gonzalez secured $850,000 in federal funding to modernize Mercedes' stormwater drainage system. The project aims to improve flood protection, strengthen public infrastructure, and help the city better withstand future severe weather events.
