BPUB Secures $47 Million in State Funding for Water Projects
The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) is proud to announce that nearly $47.2 million in state funding has been secured for two transformative water infrastructure projects that will improve water security and sustainability for the Brownsville region. The funding comes through the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and was included in the state budget bill approved by the Texas Legislature.
The approved funding includes:
- $34.5 million for the Banco Morales Reservoir, a major off-channel raw water storage reservoir designed to impound surplus water from the Lower Rio Grande, which will add 400 million gallons of water storage capacity to help Brownsville meet growing municipal water needs.
- $12.7 million for BPUB’s Potable Water Reuse Project, a key investment in long-term water sustainability that will allow treated wastewater to be safely reused as drinking water.
BPUB secured funding for two water infrastructure projects as part of a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on the Rio Grande.
“These two projects represent major steps forward for Brownsville’s water future,” BPUB General Manager & CEO Marilyn D. Gilbert said. “We are grateful to our state leaders for recognizing the urgent need to invest in water infrastructure, especially given ongoing drought conditions and regional water shortages.”
The funding reflects months of advocacy and collaboration between BPUB, local stakeholders, and the state’s legislative leadership. BPUB extends its sincere gratitude to the following individuals and entities for their pivotal roles in making this funding possible:
- State Representative Janie Lopez, for her service on the House Appropriations Committee and her strong advocacy on behalf of the Brownsville region
- State Senator Adam Hinojosa, who successfully authored budget riders to secure this funding
- Senator Charles Perry, Chair of the Senate Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs Committee
- Representative Cody Harris, Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee
- Vice Chair Mando Martinez, for his support and leadership on water issues
- Representative Erin Elizabeth Gámez, for her focus on water policy through SB 7 and HJR 7
- Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, for his leadership in the Texas Senate
- Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, for his leadership in the Texas House of Representatives
- The entire Rio Grande Valley legislative delegation
- The Texas Legislature as a whole, for prioritizing water resilience and infrastructure during this budget cycle
The Banco Morales Reservoir and Potable Reuse Project are both part of BPUB’s long-term strategy to diversify Brownsville’s water sources, reduce dependence on the Rio Grande, and protect public health and environmental quality.
“We are taking proactive steps to secure Brownsville’s water future,” Gilbert said. “Thanks to this historic investment, our customers will benefit from enhanced water reliability and sustainability for decades to come.”
For more information about these projects and BPUB’s mission to provide reliable, sustainable utility services, visit www.brownsville-pub.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Alexa J. Perez, Division Manager of Communications, Public Relations & Digital Platforms, at [email protected] or call (956) 596-3361.