Drainage Maintenance Projects Underway
Living on the Texas coast means making peace with water — but on your own terms. As the 2026 hurricane season bears down on Willacy County, the Willacy County Navigation District (WCND) is firmly ahead of the curve, executing a comprehensive drainage maintenance initiative designed to protect roads, property, and lives across the Port Mansfield community.
Leading the charge is Frank Vasquez and his dedicated maintenance crew, who are tackling a carefully planned list of improvements with two non-negotiable goals: maximize discharge water flow and eliminate the standing water that quietly turns minor storms into major disasters. Along our coastal roadways, pooling water is far more than an inconvenience — it accelerates erosion, undermines road foundations, puts homes at risk, and opens the door to environmental contamination that can linger long after the last cloud clears.
This year, the WCND isn’t going it alone. In a strong show of inter-governmental partnership, Willacy County Navigation District and Willacy County Precinct 2 have joined forces to systematically clear drainage swells throughout the area. The collaboration is already paying off: heavier equipment, more hands on deck, and faster progress along the county’s most vulnerable drainage corridors.
Special recognition goes to Willacy County Precinct 2 Commissioner Mario Tijerina, whose commitment of staff and equipment has been instrumental in accelerating the work. His hands-on approach speaks to the kind of community-first leadership that makes projects like this possible.
“Getting ahead of the storm season is the key. The work that Frank’s team, assisted by Willacy County Precinct 2, is doing will be a huge help in keeping our drainage system flowing and protecting the access, the roads, and property in our community.”
— Oscar Montoya, Director, Willacy County Navigation District
“When our drainage infrastructure works properly, everything else downstream works too — our roads last longer, our neighbors stay safe, and our community can focus on recovery instead of prevention. The upgrade of the culvert at Matagorda Dr from 12in to 32in should help with drainage and we will be installing a drainage culvert on East Port Dr. I’m proud to have our Precinct 2 team on the ground making this happen.”
— Eric Kennedy, WCND Chairman
The WCND respectfully asks that residents and visitors throughout the Port Mansfield area remain mindful of active work crews in the field. Their progress today is an investment in the community’s resilience tomorrow — and every cleared swale, every improved outflow, and every repaired road segment is one more layer of protection when the next major storm arrives.
