DeSoto advances multimillion-dollar water, sewer, and drainage capital projects

DeSoto advances multimillion-dollar water, sewer, and drainage capital projectsThe Texas municipality is pushing forward with its Capital Improvement Program, featuring a $4 million sewer replacement, a $3 million pipeline overhaul, and extensive flood mitigation efforts.

The city is preparing for the $4 million Westlake Drive sanitary sewer replacement, with construction expected to begin in January 2027.

A 36-inch water transmission line, along with storm and sewer infrastructure, is being replaced as part of the $22.9 million South Westmoreland Road widening.

DeSoto has allocated $3 million from an upcoming bond sale for its 2027 Renovation and Replacement program to overhaul water and wastewater pipelines.

Major drainage initiatives include the $2.4 million Wolf Creek Estate flood mitigation project, scheduled for a December 2026 construction start.

The City of DeSoto, Texas, is advancing a comprehensive slate of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure upgrades as part of its Capital Improvement Program (CIP). During a July 20 special meeting, Director of Development Services Ahmed Alqaisi detailed the progress of several multimillion-dollar utility projects, including major pipeline replacements integrated into city roadway expansions. Among the dedicated utility projects, the city is finalizing the design for the Westlake Drive sanitary sewer and pavement replacement. The project has an estimated cost of $4 million, with $2.5 million currently available from the Public Utilities Fund. Construction is slated to begin in January 2027. DeSoto is also in the planning stages for its 2027 Renovation and Replacement Program, which will utilize $3 million from an upcoming bond sale to replace water and wastewater pipelines in the West Lanett Drive and Campbell Street areas. Additionally, $385,000 in public utility funding has been allocated for the Gilbert Avenue Ten Mile Creek sewer improvements, with design work starting in early 2027. Significant underground utility work is also driving the timeline of the city's major roadway projects. Alqaisi highlighted that the ongoing $22.9 million South Westmoreland Road widening project involves a full upgrade of underlying infrastructure, including the replacement of a 36-inch water transmission line, along with associated storm and sewer lines. Similar utility upgrades are planned for the $23 million Danieldale Road and Pleasant Run Road widening projects. On the stormwater front, DeSoto is advancing multiple flood mitigation and erosion control efforts. The largest is the $2.4 million Wolf Creek Estate drainage improvement project, funded by municipal bonds, which is resolving final right-of-way easements ahead of a planned December 2026 construction start. The city is also dedicating $900,000 in drainage funds for erosion mitigation along Ten Mile Creek near the Roy Orr Trail, alongside several smaller culvert and retaining wall repairs. Financially, the city's utility enterprise remains stable, though ongoing administrative software updates have caused a temporary reporting lag. Finance Director Lakeita Sutton reported that while Public Utility Fund expenditures are on target at 71.2% through three-quarters of the fiscal year, revenues appear slightly behind at 63% due to delayed general ledger postings stemming from an ongoing ERP transition in utility billing.