Pharr approves legal counsel to secure participation in National PFAS Phase 2 Settlement

Pharr approves legal counsel to secure participation in National PFAS Phase 2 SettlementThe Texas municipality has authorized legal representation to navigate eligibility and data submission requirements for court-approved PFAS settlements before the fast-approaching July 31 deadline.

The Pharr City Commission unanimously approved a legal services agreement to assist with the National PFAS Phase 2 Settlement Program following a closed executive session.

The agreement authorizes counsel to review the city's eligibility status and collect required water system information.

The action aims to preserve all of the city's available rights under the court-approved settlements before the July 31, 2026, cutoff.

The commission also approved a zero-cost, 31-day weather extension for a $6.7 million lift station elimination project.

The City of Pharr, Texas, is taking legal action to ensure it does not miss out on potential funds from the National PFAS Phase 2 Settlement Program. During a July 20 meeting, the Pharr City Commission unanimously approved a legal services agreement to guide the municipality through the settlement process ahead of a strict July 31, 2026, deadline. Approved following a closed executive session, the agreement authorizes the city's legal counsel to review Pharr's eligibility status for the Phase 2 settlements. Furthermore, it permits the legal team to collect and submit the necessary water system information required to participate in the program. The strategic move is designed to preserve all rights available to the city under the court-approved PFAS settlements, ensuring Pharr remains eligible for any potential financial remediation related to "forever chemicals" in its municipal water supply. In separate wastewater infrastructure business, the commission approved a zero-cost change order for its $6.74 million Collection System Improvement and Lift Station Elimination Project. The amendment grants contractor Mor-Will, LLC an additional 31 days to complete the wastewater project to account for weather delays caused by heavy rainfall between April and July 2026. The commission also signed off on the $156,414 purchase of a 2027 Kenworth 2,000-gallon water truck for the Public Works department, utilizing a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract.