Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)
Contact: Alexis Torres
Mercedes, Texas — Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) was joined by City of Mercedes’s City Manager Alberto Perez and other local leaders to announce $850,000 that he secured in Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding to upgrade, repair, and increase the drainage capacity of their storm sewer system.Specifically, the funding will be used to improve the collection and safe discharge of stormwater segments of the stormwater system, including the expansions and installations of reinforced concrete pipes, manholes, inlets and roadway reconstruction near South Vermont Street and South Washington Street as well as along Willacy Street, Heindrick Avenue, and North Street. It also includes an expansion and new storm sewer infrastructure and roadway restoration along West Third Street and South Colorado Avenue.
“Improving public safety and strengthening our local economy requires resilient infrastructure that can withstand the frequent challenges of extreme weather in South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I proudly fought in Congress for this federal investment to help improve the City’s stormwater system and ensure our homes and businesses are protected from heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding. Together, alongside the City of Mercedes and all our neighbors, we will continue to build a safer, more prosperous community.”
“On behalf of the Mayor, City Commission, and the residents of Mercedes, we sincerely thank Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for recognizing the importance of investing in our community’s infrastructure. These federal funds represent a significant investment in public safety, flood mitigation, and the long-term resilience of our City. Stormwater infrastructure is one of the most critical investments a community can make. These improvements will help protect neighborhoods, businesses, public facilities, and transportation corridors while improving our ability to respond to increasingly intense rainfall events experienced throughout the Rio Grande Valley,” said City Manager Perez.
According to the City of Mercedes, the total estimated project costs approximately $2.08 million. The $850,000 Community Project Funding delivered by Congressman Gonzalez today will be put toward construction costs.
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Gonzalez successfully secured $12.6 million in federal funds for 15 community projects this past year, including improvements to the City of Mercedes’ stormwater management system, to directly support the needs of the 34th Congressional District of Texas.