City of Brownsville and Brownsville PUB Announce $14.5M Downtown Infrastructure Improvement Project

Texas Border Business

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville, in partnership with the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB), is proud to announce the commencement of a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing water and wastewater services in downtown Brownsville. Funded by a substantial $14.5 million allocation from the City of Brownsville’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds, this project will modernize critical utilities that have served the community beyond their lifespan.

This extensive improvement initiative, known as the ARPA Downtown Water/Wastewater Improvements Project, is split into two pivotal projects. It will involve the replacement of approximately 4,000 linear feet of water lines and 14,000 linear feet of wastewater lines, addressing systems that in some areas date back to the 1920s.

The project is scheduled to begin with a ground-breaking ceremony on May 24, 2023, at 9:30 AM, at the City’s Communications and Marketing Complex at 1312 E. Adams St., marking the start of construction activities which will continue through summer 2025. Specific phases include:

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• Project 1: Focuses on wastewater line enhancements along several alleyways including E. Elizabeth St. to International Blvd, and E. Levee St. to E. 10th St., among others. Completion is anticipated by the end of December 2024.

• Project 2: Encompasses water line improvements targeting sectors from E. Washington St. to E.Adams St. and several adjacent areas, with an expected finish in the summer of 2025.

“This initiative is not just an upgrade; it’s a transformation,” said John Cowen, Jr. Brownsville City Mayor. “By enhancing our water and wastewater infrastructure, we are improving service reliability and capacity for our current businesses, while laying the groundwork for future development in downtown Brownsville.”

“The importance of these upgrades cannot be overstated,” said Helen Ramirez, AICP, Brownsville City Manager. “Investing in our infrastructure is essential for advancing the overall quality of life in Brownsville. These improvements will help us achieve our goal of creating a more livable and attractive City foreveryone, whether they are lifelong residents or new businesses looking to call Brownsville home.”

Residents and businesses may experience some access restrictions to alleyways during construction, but all efforts will be made to minimize disruptions. The project promises to significantly improve water pressure and capacity, ensuring robust support for the City’s growth and sustainability.

For more media inquiries, please contact the City of Brownsville’s Communications and Marketing Department at Manuel.Chacon@BrownsvilleTX.gov or at (956) 556-1811.

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