EDINBURG – The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1) is proud to announce the advancement of two critical flood mitigation projects in the final Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) Prioritization List released by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) on Thursday. The projects include the 2023 Bond Projects 4 and 5 – North Main Drain, a transformative infrastructure initiative designed to significantly reduce flood risk and enhance the quality of life for residents in the region.

The project responds to the growing threat of high-intensity, short-duration rain events, which have become increasingly frequent in recent years. A little over two weeks ago, the Rio Grande Valley was drenched with over 20 inches of rain in some areas. Major rainstorms in 2018, 2019, and 2020—once described as “never before” events—have highlighted the urgent need for resilient drainage solutions. These improvements aim to protect homes, infrastructure, and local economies from future flooding while safeguarding environmental sustainability.

The TWDB will now send invitations to entities approved on the final list to formally submit applications for available funding. The available funding is for State Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

Project Overview

The North Main Drain project will widen an existing drainage ditch between the J-09 Drain and the Main Floodway Channel. This enhancement lies entirely within HCDD1 and Hidalgo County and spans portions of the Cities of McAllen and Edinburg.

• Length of project area: 14.96 miles
• Current channel width: 100 to 154 feet
• Proposed channel width: 160 to 360 feet (within existing right-of-way)
• Structures benefited: 1,521
• Flood reduction depth: Up to 1.7 feet
• Storm design standard: 50-year event

The North Main Drain project is a cornerstone of HCDD1’s mission to strengthen regional flood management infrastructure through smart, forward-looking investments.
The district is grateful for the efforts our legislative delegation, Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Adam Hinojosa, and Representatives Armando “Mando” Martinez, Sergio Muñoz, Jr., Terry Canales, Oscar Longoria and Bobby Guerra, have poured into this effort.
For more information on this and other 2023 Bond Projects, visit www.hcdd1.org

About the FIF – Passed by the 86th Texas Legislature and approved by Texas voters through a constitutional amendment, the FIF program provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects.