Vela announces funds to improve Llano Grande Lake

U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, announced that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded the Texas Water Resources and the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership with a $100,000 grant through the WaterSMART Cooperative Management Program.

The money will be used to restore Llano Grande Lake, which will improve water quality in the Arroyo Colorado channel and enhance stormwater flood protection. Improvements will also allow for environmental education and create a wildlife habitat.

The Arroyo Colorado stretches for 90 miles across the Valley. The lower 25 miles of the Arroyo Colorado are an important estuary and nursery for many fish and shrimp species native to South Texas.

“The restoration of the Llano Grande Lake will create a number of environmental benefits for the Rio Grande Valley,” said Congressman Vela.  “I was happy to lend my support to the Arroyo Watershed Partnership for this grant and am pleased that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recognizes the importance of this project.”