Pharr Prepares for 2020 Hurricane Season
More than 12 miles of canals cleaned and dredged as preventative maintenance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 26, 2020
Pharr, Texas – In anticipation of the 2020 Hurricane Season, which commences June 1, City of Pharr leaders are conducting major preventative maintenance on more than twelve miles of channels as part of the city’s drainage canal system. This type of maintenance is typically scheduled twice a year and includes cleaning of overgrown brush, clearing of debris and garbage from illegal dumping, and dredging the canals to allow for easier and more productive flow through the city’s drainage system. This scheduled maintenance, immediately prior to the start of the hurricane season, is critical to ensure that any and all stormwater can be efficiently moved through the system and out of the city.
The canal located at S. Las Palmas Rd., before and after maintenance.
“As we prepare for the beginning of the 2020 hurricane season, your Pharr city leaders are aware of the importance of proper care and maintenance of our drainage infrastructure,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. He continued, “The City of Pharr continues to make great strides in upgrading and improving our city’s drainage system, and ensuring our canals are clear and free of brush and debris is a vital component of our hurricane preparedness,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
City leaders want to remind residents that it is illegal to dump debris and garbage in or around the canal entrances. Many times, illegal dumping and debris buildup can cause significant blockage, impede the flow of stormwater out of the city, and cause unnecessary flooding to the surrounding area.
Garbage and debris accumulated at the canal near W. Juan Balli and South Rivera Street on the left photo; the same canal after dredging is shown on the right.
“Our drainage system works as intended if we all do our part. The city maintains the drainage system’s canals, and we call on all residents to refrain from illegal dumping,” Hernandez continued.
“As we prepare for this year’s hurricane season, ensuring our canals are kept clean will help reduce flooding in our area,” he ended.
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