The Resaca Restoration Program, launched in early 2013 by Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB), aims to restore the city's vital waterways. With over 50 miles of resacas and approximately 4 million cubic yards of sediment requiring removal, this initiative addresses water quality, flood risk, ecosystem health, and recreation opportunities for our community.
Interactive Project Map
Explore the resaca restoration progress with our interactive map showing completed and ongoing work throughout Brownsville.
View Interactive Resaca Restoration Map
Project Goals
Water Quality
Improve water circulation and quality throughout the resaca system
Ecosystem Restoration
Restore natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats
Recreation
Create recreational community spaces along restored waterways
The Resaca Fee
The Resaca Restoration Program is funded through a dedicated monthly fee on customer bills.
- Initial Fee (2022): $4.50/month
- Current Fee (November 2023): $6.25/month
- Fund Balance (January 2025): Approximately $7.16 million
These funds are allocated toward RESTORE Act projects, Bureau of Reclamation initiatives, and Army Corps of Engineers contracts.
Current Major Projects
RESTORE – Town Resaca Watershed Restoration Project
A nine-year, four-phase restoration effort funded through the RESTORE Act:
- Phase I Funding: $4.6 million (2020), plus additional $1.9 million (2024)
- Dredging: 100% complete (57,000 cubic yards removed)
- Current Work: Bank improvements with ten stormwater interceptor installations
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Brownsville Resacas Project
A comprehensive 16-contract National Ecosystem Restoration plan:
- Restores Resaca De La Guerra and Resaca Del Rancho Viejo
- Recertified 2022 Cost: $311,192,323.17
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSmart Project
- Removes 44,000 cubic yards of sediment
- Restores 27 acre-feet of aquatic habitat
- Fully funded: $3,000,000 grant received
Completed Phases
| Phase | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I (2013) | Dredged 120,000+ cubic yards across four segments | Completed |
| Phase II | Addressed four additional segments | Completed |
| USACE Resaca Boulevard Section 206 | Habitat restoration | Completed |
Project Timeline
Start Date: May 23, 2013
Expected End Date: TBD (75-year maintenance plan underway)