The focus of this study is on restoring degraded habitat and hydrology of the resaca aquatic ecosystem, former distributairies of the Rio Grande in Cameron County, TX. Cameron County is located at the southernmost region of the state of Texas along the US-Mexico border where the Rio Grande outfalls into the Gulf of America. Agriculture, urbanization, and flood control measures have degraded and fragmented the resaca system. Many resacas have lost original hydraulic and hydrologic function due to in the watershed.
The county is susceptible to flood events and major damages associated with those flooding events. Current ecosystem degradation puts many communities at risk. The project includes an economically disadvantaged community as defined by Section 160 of WRDA 2020. Resacas restoration has many benefits to these communities:
Environmental Benefits:
- Increased multi-jurisdictional resilience
- Restored hydrologic functionality of the watershed
- Enhanced water quality using nature-based solutions
- Reduced risk of property damage/loss of life
- Rehabilitated habitat
Economic Benefits:
- Increased tax revenue based due to increased property values due to a reduced flood risk
- Improved transportation and emergency vehicle access due to a reduced flood risk
- Reduced risk of property damage/loss of life
Social Benefits:
- Meaningful action to meet the needs of all communities at risk
- Long-term improvement in environmental education and recreational opportunities
The goal of this project is ecosystem restoration through rehabilitating the hydraulic and hydrologic function of dried resaca bed(s). The study will cover restoration of resacas not addressed by other USACE projects and studies (Resaca Boulevard Resaca Section 206 CAP Ecosystem Restoration Project and the authorized Resacas in the Vicinity of the City of Brownsville Texas Project).
Latest update (8/11/2025): The Feasibility Cost Share Agreement was executed on 23 June 2025. The Feasibility phase was initiated in July 2025. The Project Delivery Team is refining the project scope, schedule, and engaging Cameron County to conduct a planning charette.