Congressman Gonzalez Announces Further Funding to Modernize South Texas Water Infrastructure

SAN BENITO, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced further funding to improve and modernize Texas’s water retention infrastructure. Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 will receive $1.65 million through the Inflation Reduction Act. This is on top of the nearly $1 million that Congressman Gonzalez and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Deputy Commissioner Roque Sanchez announced earlier this week in San Benito through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Congressman Gonzalez voted to pass both key pieces of legislation.  

“Unfortunately, South Texans are no stranger to the issues of water shortage,” said Congressman Gonzalez.   

“For years, communities in the Rio Grande Valley have been plagued by decreasing reservoir levels and drought. That is why I am proud to announce this funding from two pieces of legislation that keep on delivering for South Texas. We will continue the work of modernizing and improving our infrastructure so that future generations no longer have to worry about their water security.” 

“With new resources from the Inflation Reduction Act, Reclamation is pleased to support these projects that help our partners invest in infrastructure that conserves and more efficiently moves water,” said Deputy Commissioner Sanchez. “We recognize that the Rio Grande suffers from prolonged drought impacts that we see in many basins across the West, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to enhance Western communities’ resilience to drought and the effects of climate change.” 

The funding from both the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law total over $2.5 million to Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 for projects modernizing open canals to closed and lined pipelines that prevent water loss from evaporation and seepage.  

Additionally, Congressman Gonzalez secured $2 million in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2. This funding will be used to construct infrastructure and efficiency improvements to a canal, discharge pipes, and a pumping plant that will result in overall water savings and conservation. 

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