Harlingen Seeks State Grant for Arroyo Colorado Boat Launch Facilities

Feature Photo: Overlooking McCullough Park on the Lower Arroyo Colorado from the South Ed Carey Drive bridge. Image: Google Streets.

Posted: 1-29-2021

by Adolfo Pesquera

Harlingen (Cameron County) — The City Commission has authorized staff to submit a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for funds to construct boat launch facilities on the Arroyo Colorado.

During a Jan. 20 session, the commissioners adopted the resolution after hearing from Parks and Recreation Director Javier Mendez, who said the competitive grant program’s deadline for applying this year is Feb. 1.

Approved projects are eligible for reimbursements of up to 75% of allowable costs and a cap of $500,000. These projects require a local match of 25%.

Mendez said a preliminary cost estimate to the total project totaled $595,920.

$200,000 for two launching structures
$220,000 for restrooms
$87,500 for parking lot space
$8,500 for signage
$61,920 for engineering and design services at 12% of total cost
$18,000 for permitting and environmental

The the request is granted, the city’s obligation would by about $148,980. Staff is also submitting a grant application to the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation to cover the local match.

The proposal is for two kayak/canoe launching facilities on the Lower Arroyo Colorado within the Harlingen city limits. One would be placed near Dixieland Street and the other would be at McCullough Park.

VBX Project ID 2021-0AA3