BPUB, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Hold Public Meeting on Resacas

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public meeting about the Resaca Restoration Project on Tuesday, March 1 from 6-8 p.m. at the BPUB Administration Building Board Room.

BPUB began the Resaca Restoration Project in 2013 with four Phase I sites, but as this ambitious project has continued, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and BPUB would like to explore options for expanding the project citywide. The purpose of this meeting is to inform the community about the project, explain the different options for restoring the resacas and seek public input on those choices.

During the feasibility phase of this collaboration, studies will be performed to find the most cost-effective solutions to restoring Brownsville’s resacas. The potential restoration options are what will be explored during the public meeting, as there are several different ways to restore, enhance and preserve the ecosystem associated with the resacas.

Several alternatives have been identified from preliminary studies, including habitat creation within the resacas; creating buffers; installation of pipelines, sediment traps and pump stations; dredging of the resacas; and further planting of native vegetation. Each choice has costs and benefits, and public input will help decide which measures are implemented. The public will be given a chance for comments and questions. Input from the community will also be used in the development of a long-term plan to address concerns with the resacas.

Representatives from BPUB and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be in attendance Tuesday, March 1 at the BPUB Administration Building, 1425 Robinhood Drive. If residents have any questions, they can also contact Ellie Covington with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 409-766-3853 or [email protected].