Aransas Pass (KIII News) — The City of Aransas Pass has relied on ground level tanks with pumps for water since Hurricane Harvey. While it has gotten the job done, in the meantime, the system has caused water boils, poor pressure and drainage issues.
It has also posed a public safety threat. Mayor Ramiro Gomez said in the case of a fire; the fire department would have a limited supply of water to extinguish flames.
Now, the city is moving forward with the help of FEMA and the Rebuild Texas Fund. Together, they are covering 100 percent of the costs to build a brand new water tower for the city.
"I am so excited that it actually made my stomach hurt!" Mayor Gomez exclaimed.
At a groundbreaking ceremony, various elected officials praised the superb efforts of everyone who made the project possible. Mayor Gomez said it's another step in the right direction in recovery efforts.
"It helps us because now once we get constant pressure, we will - the likelihood of having a water boil is very slim," he added.
Construction on the site, located off of South Euclid Street and East Wilson Avenue, will begin within the next week, officials said. They expect the tower to be completed and online in early 2019.
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