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Texas Water Development Board approves $18,000,000 to the City of McAllen (Hidalgo County) for water system improvements

For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129

AUSTIN – (July 22, 2021) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of an $18,000,000 loan from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT)* program to the City of McAllen (Hidalgo County). The City will use the assistance to improve its water accountability, leak detection, and conservation efforts by implementing a system-wide advanced communication infrastructure network.

The City could save approximately $2,800,000 over the life of the loan by using the SWIFT program.

With the assistance approved today, The City will replace approximately 50,000 existing water meters with smart meters featuring Advanced Metering Infrastructure System (AMI) capabilities that will allow two-way communication between the utility and meters. The AMI network will allow the City to improve its water conservation and accountability in the system by allowing for more accurate billing and quick and accurate leak detection and response.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state’s water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.

*The SWIFT program includes two funds, the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas (SWIRFT). Revenue bonds for the program are issued through SWIRFT.