By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito City Commissioners recently approved funding from the Texas Water Development Board for $9.5 million to advance a waterline project in the city.
The unanimous decision to cover one-third of the project cost was made in August during a special commissioners’ meeting. According to the City of San Benito, the Business 77 water line replacement project is “aimed at improving water service reliability, addressing aging pipeline issues.” Commissioners were also informed that it is necessary to ensure compliance with current safety and operational standards.
San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval told the commissioners that the city had been informed in the summer that it qualified for funding for a project that predates his tenure.
“We did cut this year’s water development board funding cycle,” Sandoval said. “The project in question is a 12-inch waterline relocation and/or replacement along Business 77.
He admits it was short notice, which is why there was a special meeting. All commissioners attended. He said the City of San Benito must provide a 30 percent match for the project. Sandoval told commissioners he would also check whether the city can be designated as “economically distressed” to help secure more funding.
“We won’t know until we get further along in the process,” Sandoval said.
According to an executive meeting summary, once the funding was secured, it would help offset project costs, reduce the financial burden on local resources, and enable the timely completion of essential upgrades.
Sandoval mentioned that there would be some meandering due to existing businesses and right-of-ways along one side of Business 77 after responding to questions about the project’s timing and process from Mayor Pro Tem Thomas W. Goodman and Commissioner Pedro A. Galvan, who made the motion to approve and seconded the meeting item.
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