Amid a severe drought in South Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the Texas Military will loan $17 million to the border town of Del Rio to expand water infrastructure.
“Texas is proud to support the City of Del Rio and the Laughlin Air Force Base as we invest in critical water infrastructure that Texans depend on,” said Abbott.
According to the governor’s release, the funds will be used to update the San Felipe East Springs Containment Wall and expand the City of Del Rio’s Water Treatment Plant.
“The two water projects will add resiliency to the water capacity” of the community, stated the release.
The $17 million dollars will come from the Texas Military Value Revolving Loan Fund, which provides financial assistance to communities near military bases for projects that will enhance the value of the bases.
Del Rio has already increased water rates to fund the infrastructure projects.
Del Rio City Manager Shawna Burkhart explained a possible rate increase for water and sewage at a town hall forum December 1, highlighting the dire condition of the city’s water infrastructure.
However, the rates were illegally increased the month prior, with the city council apologizing for the mistake at the November 10 city council meeting.
The rate increases passed at the city council meeting on December 16 and went into effect on January 1.
