Fort Worth, Texas – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fl.) toured a flood-control project on Friday at the invitation of Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Texas). 

Diaz-Balart, Chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, issued the following statement after visiting the headquarters of the Trinity River Vision (TRV) project:

“The Trinity River flows through the heart of Fort Worth and is an important part of the culture and economy of the city. For over 25 years, Congresswoman Granger has strongly advocated for the rehabilitation of the Trinity River, and it is clear why it remains one of her top priorities,” Diaz-Balart said. “Continued revitalization projects to the river and surrounding area will not only improve infrastructure, but will also make way for added recreation and entertainment spaces. Thanks to the Congresswoman’s tenacious leadership, the project received $526 million in federal funding in last year’s Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. I thank Congresswoman Granger for inviting me to join her on this tour, and look forward learning about the positive impact the completed project will have on Fort Worth.”

Granger has been a staunch proponent of the project, which will provide badly needed flood protection along the Trinity River, while also adding infrastructure improvements, environmental restoration, new housing, and recreation to the area.

“I am a strong supporter of the Trinity River Vision project. The project will restore the river’s surrounding environment, increase Fort Worth’s quality of life, and help sustain the economic health of the central city, which has been constrained by the levee system,” Granger said. “This project presents an opportunity for Fort Worth and Tarrant County to restore the river as a focal point for all citizens rather than being separated from the city by high levees.”

The TRV project is a global approach to addressing local flood risks and is a model partnership with all levels of government participating, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Texas Department of Transportation, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the Tarrant Regional Water District.

“I want to thank Chairman Diaz-Balart for taking the time to come to Fort Worth with me and see firsthand how important the Trinity River Vision project is to the district,” Granger said. “I am confident that this experience will lead to broader support for this important infrastructure project in Congress.”