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Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Secures Language in House Energy & Water Appropriations Bill to Advance Key Water Infrastructure Projects in South Texas

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) has announced that three of his amendments were included in the House Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water funding bill. The provisions will support water infrastructure, mitigate flooding in coastal areas, and advance efforts to deepen the Port of Brownsville. While Gonzalez voted against the bill due to concerns over energy costs and funding cuts, he highlighted the importance of investing in water and wastewater infrastructure in South Texas. The amendments will provide $40 million for water and wastewater infrastructure developments in South Texas and urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reimburse the Port of Brownsville for advance funding for the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Vicente Gonzalez secured language in the House Energy & Water Appropriations bill to advance key water infrastructure projects in South Texas, including the Port of Brownsville and water and wastewater infrastructure developments.
  • The first amendment provides $40 million for water and wastewater infrastructure developments in South Texas, highlighting the urgency to invest in these critical infrastructure projects.
  • The second amendment urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reimburse the Port of Brownsville for the $27 million in advance funding provided for the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project.
  • The third amendment stresses the importance of increasing funding for the Army Corps of Engineers' Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies account to assist coastal communities through flood prevention and improved emergency recovery from natural disasters.
  • Congressman Gonzalez voted against the bill due to concerns over energy costs and funding cuts, which could jeopardize funding for the South Texas Direct Air Capture Hub.
  • The bill includes provisions to mitigate flooding in coastal areas and advance efforts to deepen the Port of Brownsville.

Statistics:

  • $40 million will be allocated for water and wastewater infrastructure development in South Texas.
  • $27 million in advance funding was provided by the Port of Brownsville for the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project.
  • 3 amendments were included in the House Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water funding bill by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez.
  • 1 amendment provides language to support water infrastructure and mitigate flooding in coastal areas.
  • 2 amendments focus on specific projects, including the Port of Brownsville and water and wastewater infrastructure developments.
  • 1 amendment stresses the importance of increasing funding for the Army Corps of Engineers' Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies account.

Sources:

  • Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announcement, September 11, 2024: Congressman-Vicente-Gonzalez-Secures-Language-in-House-Energy-&-Water-Appropriations-Bill-to-Advance-Key-Water-Infrastructure-Projects-in-South-Texas
  • Press release by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, September 11, 2024: https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-vicente-gonzalez-secures-language-house-energy-water

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