CHAMPIONING SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATORS

Senator Hinojosa recognizes that small businesses are what fuels Texas’ economic engine, as they employ one out of every two Texans. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa has put small businesses at the forefront of Texas’ … Continue reading →

SUPPORTING THE ROLE COMMUNITY COLLEGES PLAY IN OUR ECONOMY

As the demand increases for middle-skilled jobs that require more than a high school diploma, Senator Hinojosa recognizes that community colleges fill a critical role in the effort to prepare Texans with the work skills they need to compete for … Continue reading →

ESTABLISHING AN ENGINEERING PROGRAM AT TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI

It is estimated that over 2 million jobs are being created in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. To help meet that need in our region, Senator Hinojosa worked with A&M Corpus Christi and community leaders to secure … Continue reading →

GIVING OUR CHILDREN THE EDUCATION NECESSARY TO COMPETE

Education is the ticket to our children’s future. With more education comes more opportunities to compete for higher paying jobs. But as our school populations are exploding, and college tuition keeps rising, we cannot balance the budget on the backs … Continue reading →

TRANSFORMING THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION

Senator Hinojosa championed historic legislation with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 24 which created the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a top-tier university and medical school, and the second largest Hispanic-serving institution in the nation. SB 24 authorized the … Continue reading →

CRACKING DOWN ON WASTE AND MISMANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

Our lawmakers have a responsibility to save taxpayers’ money by making government more efficient and to ensure the proper oversight of governmental entities. As a recent member of the Sunset Advisory Commission and the Vice Chair of the Senate Finance … Continue reading →

STANDING UP FOR HOMEOWNERS AGAINST UNFAIR WINDSTORM INSURANCE RAISES

Thanks to efforts of Senator Hinojosa and his colleagues, Nueces County families can no longer be slapped with excessive surcharges in the aftermath of a hurricane. In the 2009 Legislative Session, Senator Hinojosa led the negotiations to pass comprehensive Texas … Continue reading →

GIVING LAW ENFORCEMENT THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO SECURE THE BORDER

Senator Hinojosa has led the effort to properly equip the Department of Public Safety to combat drug traffickers and help ease the financial burdens that have been unfairly placed on border communities. Senator Hinojosa understands the importance of giving law … Continue reading →

EXPANDING THE COASTAL ECONOMY

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa secured increased funding for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, including first time funding for the new civil and industrial engineering program. Similarly, Senator Hinojosa obtained additional funds for Del Mar Community … Continue reading →

Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 Receives $500,000 State Grant for Raymondville Drain Project

Posted on August 25, 2025 by hinojosa

Last week, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved a $500,000 grant from the state’s General Revenue Fund to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 for continued work on the Raymondville Drain Project. The funding is authorized under Rider No. 21 of the General Appropriations Act for the 2024–25 Biennium passed in the 88th Legislative Session. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, author of the rider, designated these funds specifically for this purpose, allowing the TWDB to allocate these dollars directly to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 without requiring participation in other TWDB financing programs.

The Raymondville drain outfall system currently serves a watershed of more than 1,600 square miles, stretching from Edinburg Lake in Hidalgo County to the Laguna Madre in Willacy County. Originally designed to handle agricultural runoff from storm events with a 9.5-year recurrence interval, the system has been overwhelmed during major storms due to the region’s extraordinary population growth, resulting in repeated flooding.

The Raymondville Drain Project, authorized under the federal Water Resources Development Act of 1986 and developed in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will create a 60-mile drainage channel system to provide an alternate conveyance route for stormwater in Hidalgo County and improved drainage for northern Willacy County. The full $418 million project is divided into six major phases to be constructed as funding becomes available.

Planned improvements include:

· Construction of 14+ miles of new drainage channels

· Upgrades to approximately 40 miles of existing channels

· Building a 250-acre detention lake south of Edinburg International Airport

· Installation of multiple weirs, bridges, and flood control structures

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“This $500,000 award is another important step forward in protecting our communities from flooding and improving drainage infrastructure for the future. Session after session, I have authored and protected this rider in the budget, and I appreciate the TWDB for taking action to provide these funds to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. This project will provide long-term benefits to residents across Hidalgo and Willacy Counties by reducing flood risks, protecting property, and supporting the region’s continued growth.”

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