Special to the NEWS
BROWNSVILLE, TX—Last week, Cameron County officials announced that the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved $1,200,000 in grant funding from the Flood Infrastructure Fund to support the development of a comprehensive Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) across Cameron County.
Approved by TWDB on May 11, 2026, the grant funds are enabling Cameron County to complete the planning, design, construction, and activation of an advanced flood-monitoring network to improve flood preparedness and public safety.
As part of the project, Cameron County will fund 18 flood-monitoring stations. Eight stations have already been installed within the project area and will now be fully commissioned, integrated, and activated, according to the Cameron County press release.
An additional 10 stations are being added to expand the County’s flood-monitoring capabilities and ensure the Flood Early Warning System is fully operational as envisioned in the regional flood plan.
“This investment marks a major step toward protecting Cameron County residents from the dangers of severe weather and flooding,” said Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. “Flooding remains one of the most significant natural threats facing our region, and this funding will help provide real-time information and early warnings that can save lives, protect property, and improve emergency response throughout the County. We are grateful to the Texas Water Development Board for their partnership and commitment to improving flood resilience in Cameron County.”
“This approval marks another important step toward advancing critical flood planning and resilience efforts for our region,” said County Commissioner Pct. 3 David A. Garza. “We appreciate the Board’s continued partnership, guidance, and commitment to helping communities prepare for and respond to future flood challenges.”
On Monday, May 11, Garza, along with Resiliency & Natural Resources Director Augusto Sánchez, traveled to Austin to thank the Texas Water Development Board for its continued support of Cameron County and Region 15 Lower Rio Grande flood mitigation efforts.
The agenda included consideration of Cameron County’s application for up to $1.2 million in Flood Infrastructure Fund grant funding for flood mitigation strategy-related projects, as well as approval of the Third Amended 2023 Regional Flood Plan for Region 15 Lower Rio Grande.
The Texas Water Development Board is the state agency responsible for collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water and flood planning, and preparing the state’s water and flood plans.
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