PRESIDIO — Big Bend Conservation Alliance invites the Presidio community to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for “Everything’s Connected in Presidio: Building Climate Resiliency through Green Infrastructure and Reducing Pollution through Traffic Mitigation at the International Bridge Crossing.”

This vital project focuses on protecting our most vulnerable residents — especially the elderly — by strengthening infrastructure to safeguard against power outages and flooding. Thanks to a $12.7 million grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights in December, this project will improve the Presidio Activity Center (PAC) with solar power, ensuring it serves as a reliable cooling and refuge center during power outages and heat emergencies. Additionally, the project will complete three detention ponds designed to reduce flash flooding in residential neighborhoods, protecting homes and property from damage.

As part of the project’s efforts to improve daily life in Presidio, a new transit system technology will be developed to help ease traffic congestion at the International Bridge Crossing, reducing pollution and streamlining border crossings for residents and businesses. The project will also include planting nearly 5,000 trees throughout the community, offering more shade and encouraging residents to use the existing bike and walking path installed by TxDOT — promoting healthier, more active lifestyles.

In a commitment to local economic development, Big Bend Conservation Alliance plans to utilize as many local contractors and businesses from the tri-county area as possible, ensuring that this investment directly benefits the Presidio community and supports job growth in the region. By investing in infrastructure, technology-based solutions, and traffic mitigation, this initiative will strengthen Presidio’s ability to withstand extreme weather, reduce pollution, and support public health and safety. The multiphase project will roll out over the next three years, with a focus on practical, community-driven solutions that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Presidio Activity Center, located at 1200 E O’Reilly St, Presidio, TX 79845.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.bigbendconservationalliance.org.