HARLINGEN, Texas - Members of Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 had an opportunity visit with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in Harlingen on Thursday.
They spoke with him while he toured Texas State Technical College.
The CCDD5 board members were Steve Jennings, Jerry Wade, and Nick Consiglio.
CCDD5 Executive Director Rolando Vela said the board members asked Cornyn for his support in helping move forward two grant applications.
“Together, these two grants are worth more than $30 million,” Vela said. “Once released, these funds will help us widen key drainage channels and build new downstream detention ponds to reduce flooding in our communities.”
Vela added: “While we continue making improvements with our current grant projects, we’re also working hard to secure additional funding for future drainage improvements that will benefit the communities we serve.”
Formed in 1993 following widespread flooding from Tropical Depression Two, CCDD5 spans approximately 40 square miles across Cameron County, including parts of Harlingen, Combes, Palm Valley, and Primera.
The district is governed by a three-member Board of Directors and operates with a team of four employees. With a current tax rate of $0.14, CCDD5 generates around $3.8 million annually to fund operations, maintain infrastructure, repay Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) loans, and acquire land for future drainage improvements.
CCDD5 manages roughly 70 miles of open drainage channels that carry stormwater to the Arroyo Colorado, playing a vital role in the Valley’s regional flood management system.
