As Rio Grande City grows, City leaders remain committed to investing in important infrastructure to maintain and improve mobility, health, safety and quality of life for residents and visitors. The City plans to tackle several infrastructure projects at once.
Water, Sewer, Drainage and Street Improvements
Approximately $2.4 million has been allocated for water system improvements throughout the city. That funding will be used to rehabilitate the city’s old water plant, replace water and wastewater lines throughout Rio Grande City and install utilities along Rattler Drive, the newly constructed public street at the anticipated Rio Grande Village shopping center. Proposed improvements will also include extending sewer lines on the west side of Rio Grande City up to Alvarez Road.
Rio Grande City Public Utilities will be working on the expansion of the Water Treatment Plant. This expansion will ensure water treatment needs are met for the City’s projected growth for the next 10 to 15 years.
Proposed drainage and paving improvements are also planned at 17-targeted areas in Rio Grande City that will benefit the community by alleviating traffic, enhancing drainage quality and executing repaving maintenance. Street and drainage improvements are estimated to cost a little over $1.9 million.
Rio Grande City Master Drainage Plan
As part of continued efforts to reduce street and flooding issues due to sudden water run off, the City is developing a Master Drainage Plan (MDP). The goal of the MDP is to provide a road map for the City’s future drainage-related activities by addressing current drainage needs and concerns and identifying future drainage issues.
The plan will include: base mapping (including of topography and existing elevations); current drainage policies, drainage criteria, drainage ordinances; and existing storm/sewer assessment/ and master plan development.
Rio Grande City Master Thoroughfare Plan
A Master Thoroughfare Plan (MTP) is in the works for Rio Grande City. The development of the MTP is intended to anticipate issues such as congestion and mobility and identify sections of roadways that are in need of construction or expansion. The MTP will serve as a guide to support the city’s projected growth and the transportation needs of residents and visitors to Rio Grande City.
New facilities in the works
The Mayor and City Commission have also approved to fund a new combined public safety building to house Rio Grande City Police and Fire Departments. The new complex would replace current, cramped and outdated facilities and accommodate for future expansion of personnel, increase storage for planned equipment upgrades and house several new fire trucks and patrol units. The current estimate for building the new public safety complex is approximately $6 million.
The Rio Grande City Parks and Recreation Department will embark on a new 5,600 sq. ft. facility to for the Rio Grande City Boys & Girls Youth Club. The City is exploring three proposed sites at Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park located at 1473 Stephen Saenz St. The proposed locations for the new facility are centrally located and would utilize the amenities already existing at the municipal park such as baseball fields, jungle gyms and the Rio Grande City Skate Park.
The Rio Grande City Animal Control will expand the kennel facility at its current location and create a Spay and Neuter Program to help minimize and control the city’s stray population. The benefits of spaying and neutering include; overall improved health, reduction of fighting and marking and the elimination of unwanted litters.
Rio Grande City Public Works will also install new facilities at the current City Wide Clean Up collection site located at 632 W. Eisenhower St. Proposed construction will include a much-needed shop, storage room and wash bay facility for maintenance of the City’s equipment.
Business on the horizon
The City, with support from the Rio Grande City EDC, has completed critical drainage improvements necessary to advance the development of Rio Grande Village, a commercial center expected to bring approximately 500 new jobs and infuse millions of tax dollars into the City.
As the City gets ready to commemorate the first of several new businesses to open at Rio Grande Village, City leaders are working with the Rio Grande City EDC to install a 10-acre business park nearby to attract additional business and industry that meet the needs and demands of the growing city.
Additionally, plans continue to connect the FM 755 bypass at U.S. Highway 83 to the Rio Grande City port of entry to help facilitate traffic and provide a direct route to projects of international interest.
A City moving forward
Rio Grande City has experienced steady and positive growth in commercial and residential development over the last five years. These new planned projects will position the City for continued development and a better quality of life for its residents.