BROWNSVILLE, TX – The City of Brownsville, in partnership with the Brownsville Board of Public Utilities (BPUB), announced the start of an infrastructure project aimed at improving water and wastewater services in the downtown area.
The project will be funded by $14.5 million from the City of Brownsville’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds, and is intended to modernize essential utilities that have served the community beyond their useful life.
The initiative, known as Project ARPA, to upgrade downtown water and sewer services, is divided into two key projects, replacing approximately 4,000 linear feet of water mains and 14,000 linear feet of wastewater mains, systems that in some areas date back to the 1920s.
According to the Brownsville City Council, the work is expected to extend through the summer of 2025.
Specific phases include:
– Project 1: Wastewater line improvements along several alleys, including E. Elizabeth St. to International Blvd, and E. Levee St. to E. 10th St., among others. Completion is scheduled for the end of December 2024.
– Project 2: Includes water main improvements in sections from E. Washington St. to E. Adams St. and several adjacent areas, with completion scheduled for summer 2025.
“This initiative is not just an improvement; it’s a transformation. By upgrading our water and wastewater infrastructure, we are improving the reliability and capacity of service for our existing businesses, while laying the foundation for future development in downtown Brownsville,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr.
Helen Ramirez, AICP, Brownsville City Manager, commented that the importance of the improvements cannot be overstated. “Investing in our infrastructure is essential to advancing the overall quality of life in Brownsville. These improvements will help us achieve our goal of creating a more livable and attractive city for everyone, whether lifelong residents or new businesses looking to call Brownsville home,” he said.
It was reported that residents and businesses may experience some alley access restrictions during construction, but every effort will be made to minimize disruptions. The project promises to significantly improve water pressure and capacity, ensuring strong support for the city’s growth and sustainability.
