Congressman Gonzalez Announces Over $5 Million in Federal Funding for Brackish Groundwater Treatment Facility Improvements in Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced $5,030,654 in federal funding from the Bureau of Reclamation for Brownsville Public Utilities Board’s (BPUB) to expand and upgrade the Authority Brackish Groundwater Treatment Facility. This funding is made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Gonzalez supported in 2021. 

“We must do all we can to address the ongoing drought and water conditions in South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “That is why I am proud to announce this funding to improve Brownsville’s groundwater treatment facility and reduce regional reliance on dwindling surface water supplies.  Investments like these will support the continued growth of our region as we grapple with severe drought and water supply issues.”  

"This notice of funding opportunity is a significant milestone that brings our region one step closer to drought resiliency by reducing our dependence on the Rio Grande River. We greatly appreciate Congressman Gonzalez's support and his tireless efforts are the reason we have secured this funding. We look forward to moving ahead with this critical project for the future of the Southern Rio Grande Valley,"  said Dr. Joseph L. Hollmann, President, Southmost Regional Water Authority.

With this funding, BPUB’s will construct two new wells and reconstruct 20 existing groundwater wells to increase their productivity and facility’s capacity by 4,820 acre-feet per year. The project will also make upgrades to the microfiltration, RO technology, electrical and instrumentation, and chemical storage and dosing systems, which help remove any contaminants present. 

Currently, this funding is on hold due to the Trump Administration’s Executive Order freezing federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.  

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