LCRA awards $25,000 grant to Cameron County for rainwater harvesting system

Project will support water conservation, education and watershed protection

May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA awards a $25,000 grant to Cameron County for two rainwater harvesting systems at a newly renovated county building in San Benito.
  • The project will help capture rooftop runoff, reduce pressure on drainage systems and support irrigation for planned low-impact development features.
  • The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.
An LCRA representative presents a $25,000 grant to Cameron County for two new rainwater harvesting systems. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Augusto Sanchez Gonzalez, Department of Resilience and Natural Resources director; Cassandra Ruiz, regional stormwater manager; Sheila Slagel, LCRA grants program manager; and Raul Gomez, administrative coordinator to county commissioner, Precinct 3.
SAN BENITO, Texas – Cameron County soon will install two rainwater harvesting systems and educational signage at the newly renovated Cameron County Annex, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $17,710 in matching funds from Cameron County, will help the county purchase and install a 5,000-gallon and a 12,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system. The systems will capture rainwater from the building’s roof and store it for landscape irrigation, reducing the amount of stormwater runoff entering nearby drainage systems and helping protect surrounding infrastructure from localized flooding.

“This project is about showing how green infrastructure can work in a practical, visible way,” said Eddie Treviño Jr., Cameron County judge. “By capturing and reusing rainwater, we can reduce runoff, conserve potable water and help protect the Arroyo Colorado watershed.”

The project is part of a larger Low Impact Development effort at the county annex, which also will include bioswales, rain gardens, native plants and trees and a detention pond funded through other grant programs and county resources. Together, the improvements are designed to reduce pollutants carried by stormwater and support long-term watershed health.

Educational signage near the rainwater harvesting systems and planned garden areas will explain stormwater management practices to visitors, residents, students and county staff. The building will house several county offices and will be used for voting, training, workshops and community outreach events.

“This project is a great opportunity for us to show the community what we’re doing and hopefully entice them to implement these practices in their homes and businesses,” Treviño said. “The signage and demonstration areas will help people see how rainwater harvesting, native landscaping and other nature-based solutions can improve water quality, reduce flooding impacts and make our communities more resilient.”

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.

Contact Info

Clara Tuma
512-578-3292
[email protected]
After hours: 512-944-6719

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.