Stormwater Infrastructure and Flood Mitigation
Summary
The council approved professional services agreements for two key infrastructure projects: the Playa Drain Shared Use Path and the El Paso International Airport Advanced Manufacturing District.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 79
- Last 30 days
- 29
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Aug 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
The utility faces an estimated $875 million in remaining construction needs.
Residents in flood-prone areas benefit from reduced flood risk and potential removal from flood insurance requirements.
Residents in areas where projects are delayed due to funding constraints remain at risk.
Mentions & discussions (34)
UTEP researchers using NASA technology to track floods
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- NASA may be known for exploring space, but a team of UTEP researchers is turning the agency’s technology toward tackling a challenge much closer to home: tracking floodwaters after major storms. Led by Yong Je Kim, Ph.D., ass...
El Paso OEM updates 5-year hazard mitigation plan after heavy rains flood streets
El Paso OEM updates 5-year hazard mitigation plan after heavy rains flood streets KDBC
Doña Ana County approves disaster declaration for floods
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Board of Commissioners for Doña Ana County unanimously approved a resolution to issue a disaster declaration after the county was affected by severe flooding in September. According to county officials, the county will be ...
CRRUA monitors sewage risks following Rio Grande overflow
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) stated that it is monitoring impacts on a section of its wastewater collection infrastructure due to overflow and elevated water levels in the Rio Grande from heavy rainfall. ...
Sunland Park warns against Rio Grande levee access amid flooding
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The City of Sunland Park is warning residents to steer clear of the Rio Grande levee as flooding from the river continues. The City announced some closures on Wednesday, Sept. 30, which include River Levee Park and Trail near...
Flood warning issued after Rio Grande overflow, roads closed
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A flood warning was issued for the Rio Grande and El Paso after the National Weather Service forecast minor flooding throughout Thursday, Oct. 1. The following roads are closed: Paisano East at Sunland Park is now open. Cleari...
Texas city narrowly avoided disastrous flooding from Polo
Texas city narrowly avoided disastrous flooding from Polo MySA
New portal helps Doña Ana County residents report rain, flood damage
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- Doña Ana County's Office of Emergency Management has opened an online damage assessment portal for residents affected by the recent heavy rainfall and flooding. Neighbors who wish to report damage to property or businesses as...
El Paso activates Emergency Operations Center at Level 3 amid storm threat
El Paso activates Emergency Operations Center at Level 3 amid storm threat KFOX
Socorro residents brace for another downpour amid reoccurring floods
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- Residents in Socorro are in a perpetual state of preparing for the next wave of storms and repairing the damage from the last one. All concerns about the upheaval a large storm can cause to them, their lives and their propert...
El Paso residents prepare for more rain after last week’s flooding
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – After floodwater reached homes and yards across parts of the Borderland last week, some El Paso residents are getting ready for the possibility of more heavy rain. El Paso residents were waiting in lines to pick up sandbags as...
Tropical Storm Polo is moving fast, 1 last 'punch' overnight
KTSM has issued a Weather Authority Alert through early Wednesday morning due to the threat of significant rainfall and possible flooding due to the remnants of Hurricane Polo. Tonight: The good news is that Polo is moving very quickly. The tropic...
El Paso activates emergency center ahead of more rain, flooding
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The City of El Paso and the Office of Emergency Management have activated the Emergency Operations Center at Level Three as the city prepares for more heavy rain and potential flooding from Hurricane Polo on Tuesday, Sept. 29...
El Paso activates emergency center ahead of more rain, flooding
El Paso activates emergency center ahead of more rain, flooding KTSM 9 News
El Pasoans dealing with water damage turn to sandbags
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - Lines had already formed at El Paso Water’s Northeast El Paso sandbag distribution location Tuesday, Sept. 29, shortly after 8 a.m. El Paso Water opened its Fred Wilson Avenue location at 8 a.m., as vehicles lined up and resid...
Socorro opens emergency shelters amid heavy rain threat
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - Heavy rainfall could hit the Borderland on Tuesday, Sept. 29, which is why Socorro officials have announced locations for emergency evacuation shelters. Socorro officials said, as a precautionary measure, three shelters will o...
Sandbag distribution locations as Borderland monitors potential flooding
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - El Paso Water announced Monday, Sept. 28, that the Artcraft Booster Station and the Fred Wilson locations closed as crews continue working to meet increased demand for sandbags. Blackie Chesher Park sandbag distribution site r...
El Paso officials monitor potential flood risks from Polo; sandbags available
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - Hurricane Polo's leftovers are expected to impact the Borderland this week. Polo is a Category 3 storm with top sustained winds of 115 mph. It is expected to hit the Mexican mainland on Monday. It could bring heavy rain and fl...
Weather Authority Alert: Up to 6 inches of rain from Polo
I have forecasted the weather for 31 years, and I have only seen a few key moments when the weather appears to be lining up for a devastating event. This is one of them. The remnant moisture core of Polo is holding in its same trajectory from last we...
Weather Authority Alert: Possible flooding from Hurricane Polo
KTSM has issued a Weather Authority Alert from Monday midday through early Wednesday morning due to the threat of significant rainfall and possible flooding due to the remnants of Hurricane Polo. This is the latest trajectory from the National Hurric...
City Council (Work) - Aug 17, 2026
The city is working to balance the need for expensive flood protection projects with the reality of limited funding and rising construction costs.
Mass Transit Department Board - Jul 7, 2026
The El Paso Transportation Authority is working to better connect county transit with city services to improve mobility for all residents.
City Council - Jun 23, 2026
Local business owners are worried that the planned street construction will hurt their shops and kill the local economy in the Five Points area.
City Council - Jun 9, 2026
The airport is looking to upgrade its dining and seating areas. This $10 million project aims to make the airport more comfortable for travelers.
City Council - Apr 14, 2026
A significant portion of public comment focused on the proposed Downtown Deck Plaza. Supporters emphasized its potential for economic growth, job creation, and community gathering space, while opponents raised concerns about taxpayer funding and the diversion of resources from local needs like the YMCA.
City Council (Work) - Apr 13, 2026
The city is actively pursuing federal funding to support major projects like advanced manufacturing and port of entry upgrades. This strategy aims to reduce the burden on local taxpayers by leveraging federal resources for infrastructure and economic development.
City Council - Apr 1, 2026
The council authorized professional services agreements for two key infrastructure projects: the Playa Drain Shared Use Path and geotechnical testing for the El Paso International Airport's Advanced Manufacturing District. These agreements will advance the design and planning phases of these projects.
Mass Transit Department Board - Mar 3, 2026
A sole-source contract was approved for specialized parts and services for the streetcar. This ensures the continued operation and maintenance of the streetcar system.
City Council - Mar 3, 2026
Adjustments were made to airport construction contracts, including an increase for runway remediation to meet federal standards and decreases for taxiway projects due to quantity adjustments.
Strategic Planning Session - Feb 23, 2026
Discussions included the need for modern infrastructure, such as well-lit streets, safe roads, and efficient public transit, to support economic growth and quality of life. The city is looking at how to make these improvements sustainable and beneficial for the community.
City Council - Feb 17, 2026
A specific development plan for a property on Desert Pass Street was approved, allowing for its planned use.
City Council - Feb 3, 2026
The city will enter into agreements with Union Pacific Railroad to reconstruct and maintain two road crossings, ensuring public safety and infrastructure integrity.
City Council - Jan 20, 2026
Two planned projects, a corridor improvement and a trailhead, are being deprogrammed due to budget shortfalls or an inability to secure necessary land agreements. This means these projects will not move forward as planned.
City Council - Jan 6, 2026
The council is approving funds for pre-construction services for a new joint headquarters for the El Paso Police and Fire Departments. This project is intended to improve public safety infrastructure.
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