NEED FOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS WAS URGENT:

Since Hurricane Beulah, the County has had major events with rain totals of over 20" and losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars. County residents have been fortunate so far that these storms were not catastrophic.

With over $35 billion in property valuations and the safety and well being of over 800,000 people, the need to improve our County's drainage system was urgent.

Key projects have been identified that can protect our assets and communities by specifically installing additional flood gates, repairing structures and the excavation of key channels. These improvements will increase the outflow of storm water throughout the system.

Raymondville Drainage Project is a conditional long-term drainage ditch that increases outfall capacity for the entire system as stormwater flows from Hidalgo County through Willacy and out to the Laguna Madre Bay.

Hidalgo County Drainage District # 1 approved an order to hold a bond election on November 6, 2012 for the issuance of $184 million to upgrade the drainage system. This amount represents a portion of the estimated $600 million needed to address all countywide drainage challenges.

On November 6, 2012, Hidalgo County voters approved the bond referendum with 75% of the voters in favor of the drainage board of directors issuing $84 million in bonds and leveraging a $100 million federal grant to fund 25 specific projects in the County. These monies will improve the County's drainage system, move storm water runoff out for the County faster, and by doing so these improvements can help protect the safety of our communities and over $35 billion in property assets.

Below you will find a list of Hidalgo County 2012 Drainage Bond Projects approved by you the taxpayers. The impact to taxpayers residing in the drainage district may be up to a 21/2 cent levy for $84 million of the bond. A tax payer with a $100,000 property valuation might pay $25 additional taxes per year. This equates to $2.08 per month. For more complete information, please visit: Drainage Website