LA FERIA, Texas — Looking to permanently address the chronic flooding that has plagued northwestern Cameron County for years, local and international officials have finalized a major funding agreement to overhaul the area's stormwater infrastructure.
The North American Development Bank (NADBank) and the Cameron County Drainage District No. 6 (CCDD6) have officially signed an $11.3 million loan agreement. The funding, structured as Unlimited Tax Improvements Bonds (Taxable Series 2026), will support a massive expansion of stormwater drainage systems designed to reduce flood risks for nearly 4,000 low- to moderate-income households.
The agreement was signed during a ceremonial event by NADBank Managing Director John Beckham and CCDD6 Board President Josh Ruiz.
For residents in western Cameron County, the infrastructure upgrades represent a long-awaited solution to repeated weather disasters. The region was devastated by back-to-back major floods in June 2018 and June 2019, which dropped between 12 and 17 inches of rain and caused millions of dollars in damages. Just a year later, in July 2020, Hurricane Hanna dumped another 18 inches of rain on the area.
In response to the frequent devastation, local voters took matters into their own hands in November 2021, overwhelmingly approving the creation of CCDD6 with an 84.15 percent majority. The vote granted the district the authority to levy taxes and issue bonds specifically for flood control improvements.
The district spans 57 square miles, covering a complex footprint that includes the cities of La Feria and Santa Rosa, portions of western Harlingen, the towns of Combes and Primera, and surrounding rural colonias. Its borders are defined by the Arroyo Colorado to the south, the Willacy Irrigation Canal to the west, Ballenger and Orphanage Roads to the north, and Tamm Land to the east, abutting Cameron County Drainage District No. 5.
“Cameron County Drainage District No. 6’s goal is clear: to permanently eliminate flooding throughout a service area by working strategically, effectively, and efficiently, while maintaining minimal tax burdens for the community it serves,” Ruiz said.
Because of the Rio Grande Valley's flat topography and poor soil infiltration, the area is naturally flood-prone. Ruiz explained that the new project will dramatically strengthen stormwater management across roughly 8.1 square miles, focusing on boosting both gravity drainage and controlled pumping capacity during extreme weather events.
Specifically, the $11.3 million will advance Phases 1 through 4 of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) North Levee Improvement Projects. The scope of work includes upgrades to pump stations and drainage outfalls along the IBWC North Floodway levee system, capacity improvements to existing drainage channels, and strategic land acquisitions to pave the way for future drainage master plan projects.
NADBank’s Beckham noted that with recent climate patterns and the ongoing hurricane season, investing in Gulf Coast drainage systems is more critical than ever.
“NADBank is pleased to partner with Cameron County Drainage District No. 6 to finance critical stormwater infrastructure that will improve drainage capacity, strengthen system reliability and reduce flood risk for residents,” Beckham said. “This project reflects our commitment to invest in long-term infrastructure that supports safer, more resilient communities and enhances quality of life across the region.”
The financing was fast-tracked through NADBank’s newly launched Water Investment Program, which aims to accelerate priority water and drainage projects.
The deal was also made easier by unique provisions in the Texas Water Code. Texas law allows local water and drainage districts to utilize flexible financing options when partnering with NADBank, cutting through traditional bureaucratic red tape and reducing regulatory delays so that critical infrastructure can be built faster.
Ruiz expressed deep gratitude to both the international bank and the local voters who made the partnership possible.
"This ceremonial signing marks a significant milestone," Ruiz said. "I would like to extend a special thank you to the voters of Cameron County Drainage District No. 6. Your trust, support and confidence in the District have made this achievement possible. This investment reflects our community’s commitment to reducing flood risk and building a safer, stronger future for generations to come."
