Nacogdoches applies for state grant to replace water line serving two-thirds of city

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - Nacogdoches could receive millions in state funding to replace a water line that serves two-thirds of the city.

The city is applying for a new grant offered through the Texas Water Development Board. The funding comes from House Bill 500, passed in the previous legislative session, which allocated more than $1 billion for water infrastructure projects.

“House Bill 500 in the previous legislative session allocated more than a billion dollars to the TWDB, the Texas Water Development Board, for grants—100% match—to cities, counties, and other political entities for projects that mainly address water loss, TCEQ violations, or water supply,” said City Engineer Case Opperman.

The city is looking at a project in the $7 million to $8 million range. The work would replace a main transmission line between the Southwest pump station and the West Loop.

“The project we’re looking at is probably in the 7 to 8 million range…one of the ones we’re looking at is a main transmission line replacement between our Southwest pump station and the West Loop here in town to try to get the most bang for our buck,” Opperman said.

The line has experienced breaks in the past and has been difficult to repair. It supplies water to thousands of residents.

“The Southwest Pump Station basically pumps water from the lake plant to all of our surface water users in town, which is about two-thirds of our population from basically Main Street North,” Opperman said.

The project has been on the city’s future projects list for years and has been addressed through the city’s capital improvement plan.

The grant program has different stipulations depending on population size. Nacogdoches is eligible for about $21 million, but projects must be completed by February 2031.

“These grants don’t come around very often..so we’re really trying to get our foot in the door with this program and get that allocation so that we can make this project a reality and hopefully offset a lot of city-funded money,” Opperman said.

The city has already selected a contractor, pending approval. The first round of money will roll out this fall.

The city has until July 30 to send in their application.