Discussion, Consideration & Action in Support of Approving Resolution in Partnership with Drainage District No1 for fiscal year 2027 Community Project Funding Request
 

Regional Floodway & Drainage Corridor Lighting and Safety Project
The Regional Floodway & Drainage Corridor Lighting and Safety Project would install lighting along a 15-mile hike and bike trail within an existing regional drainage and flood control corridor in Hidalgo County, Texas. The trail connects the Cities of McAllen, Hidalgo, and Mission and currently lacks lighting, limiting safe use to daylight hours.
This shovel-ready project will improve visibility, deter crime, enhance emergency response access, and expand safe mobility for residents and commuters without requiring land acquisition. This investment will deliver immediate public safety benefits, strengthen regional connectivity, and maximize the use of existing public infrastructure in Hidalgo County.
Hector “Tito” Palacios Park Community Resilience and Public Improvement Project
The Hector “Tito” Palacios Park Community Resilience and Public Improvement Project will transform an existing park into a multi-purpose community asset that enhances youth services, recreational opportunities, and disaster preparedness.
The project includes construction of a centrally located youth recreational center designed to function as a fully operational Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during natural disasters or public emergencies. Additional improvements include a covered pavilion over existing basketball courts to allow conversion into protected staging and dry storage space, installation of an all-inclusive playground to serve children of all abilities, and artificial turf upgrades to the softball field to enable use as a staging area for heavy equipment during emergency response.
These enhancements will significantly strengthen the community’s resilience while providing year-round recreational, social, and health benefits to residents in an underserved area with critical needs.
South Main Drain Expansion Project
Residents of Precinct 2 and surrounding areas of Hidalgo County have experienced repeated and severe flooding from major rain events, resulting in damage to homes, infrastructure, and public safety risks. The South Main Drain Expansion Project is a critical flood mitigation initiative designed to significantly reduce flood risk and protect lives and property throughout the region.
The project will expand the capacity of the South Main Drain, a primary component of the County’s regional drainage system. By increasing conveyance and storage capacity, the project will provide meaningful protection against future storm events and reduce the frequency and severity of flood impacts on vulnerable communities.