CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The area that includes the London Independent School District is the fastest-growing around, so in order to continue that growth, Nueces County commissioners are committing $1 million to build a huge detention pond near the Crosstown Extension.
"Right now, we've got major drainage and flooding problems in that area, and this is a very proactive way of getting ahead of something," said Pct. 4 commissioner Brent Chesney.
The county also is getting help with this project from two landowners, who have agreed to give up 7.5 acres of their land on which the county will build the pond, which will move water into the Oso Creek tributary system.
"We believe it would be a powerful tool to assist in the infrastructure development that is occurring on the South Side," said Robert Gonzalez.
This land is owned by attorney Robert J. Gonzalez and local businessman John Tamez.
Chesney said the donation is going to help with South Side development.
"This is going to have a big effect on the London growth and the London area and the London flooding problems we have right now," he said.
Gonzalez wasn't sure about the market value of the land, but said one smaller, nearby parcel sold for a little more than $1 million.
"Historically, we have always given back," he said. "We think it's the right thing to do. We love our community."
Once the transfer of the land to the county is complete, it could be up to 18 months before the project is finished.