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 has been funded through a dedicated monthly fee on customer bills.
- Initial Fee (2022): $4.50/month
- Fee (November 2023): $6.25/month
- Elimination: Approved by City Commission vote, pending final approval
Funds collected were allocated toward RESTORE Act projects and Bureau of Reclamation initiatives, and remaining funds will continue to support dredging that benefits the drinking water supply.
Current Major Projects
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 |
| RESTORE – Town Resaca Watershed Restoration Project | Four-phase RESTORE Act effort. $4.6M (2020) + $1.9M (2024). 57,000 cubic yards dredged. Bank improvements with ten stormwater interceptor installations. | Completed |
Project Timeline
Start Date: May 23, 2013
Expected End Date: TBD (75-year maintenance plan underway)