BPUB Welcomes Expected Passage of WRDA 2024 to Secure Federal Support for Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Projects
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS (Jan. 6, 2025) — The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) applauds the expected passage of S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024). This important legislation, set to pass in the final days of the 118th Congress, includes significant federal funding and provisions that will support the development of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, as well as environmental restoration projects.
Every two years, Congress works to approve the WRDA, which authorizes studies and projects to address flood damage reduction, ecosystem restoration and infrastructure improvements across the country. The WRDA 2024 includes a $40 million funding authorization for BPUB water and wastewater infrastructure projects, as well as provisions that will provide flexibility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in areas such as local cost-sharing and real estate easements.
“This bill is an important development for the city of Brownsville,” Mayor of Brownsville, John F. Cowen, Jr., said. “This federal funding will help us address the long-term needs of our community. I’m grateful for the efforts of our representatives in securing these provisions for Brownsville.”
Falcon Dam plays a crucial role in the water supply for Brownsville, Texas, and the surrounding region.
One of the primary projects supported by WRDA 2024 is the Resaca Restoration Project, which focuses on restoring and preserving the health of Brownsville’s historic resacas. The bill will accelerate the restoration process with both, federal funding and technical assistance, improving water quality and expanding conservation efforts.
Additionally, the WRDA 2024 includes provisions to improve the management of Falcon Lake, granting USACE greater flexibility in managing water levels and improving water quality. This includes enhanced operational flexibility to support water management during times of drought.
“The expected passage of WRDA 2024 will support BPUB’s efforts to improve and maintain our water and wastewater infrastructure,” BPUB General Manager and CEO Marilyn D. Gilbert said. “We thank our representatives for securing essential funding and federal support for projects like Resaca Restoration and Falcon Lake. This bill will help BPUB continue providing reliable and quality service to the greater Brownsville area for generations to come.”
This bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and is now ready to move forward. The next step is the president’s signature, set to pass in the final days of the 118th Congress. Once signed into law, WRDA 2024 will provide BPUB with the federal support needed to advance several critical water-related initiatives in Brownsville. While BPUB can begin preparing and planning for these initiatives, the actual funding for implementation will be phased in over the next few years, with allocation expected to start in Fiscal Year 2026.
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