Tarrant Regional Water District advances $50m Panther Island canals and bypass channel, proposes tax hike

Tarrant Regional Water District advances $50m Panther Island canals and bypass channel, proposes tax hikeThe Texas water district is preparing to award major construction contracts for its Central City Flood Control Project this fall, prompting a proposed 3% tax rate increase to fund its multi-million-dollar local match requirements.

An invitation to bid for the $50 million Panther Island canal project is being issued, with a construction contract award expected in October.

The Army Corps of Engineers anticipates awarding a contract for the North Bypass Channel this fall, requiring cash matches from the district's governmental contingency fund.

Staff proposed raising the tax rate from 2.65 cents to 2.73 cents per $100 valuation to generate a $572,409 capital reserve for future infrastructure needs.

The district is funding a planned economic analysis for the Mary's Creek Flood Control Reservoir, driving an increase in engineering consulting costs.

The budget includes $690,000 for a new wheeled hydraulic excavator to aid in emergency flood response and drainage channel maintenance.

Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) in Fort Worth, Texas, is ramping up its capital spending for major flood control and stormwater management projects, pushing the district to propose a tax rate increase for fiscal year 2027. During an August 4 workshop, district staff outlined the financial drivers behind the $33.57 million general fund budget, emphasizing the transition of long-planned mega-projects into heavy construction phases. A primary driver is the $50 million Panther Island canal system, designed to handle 100-year flood events and manage stormwater on the island. Staff confirmed that an invitation to bid for the canals was being issued immediately, with a construction contract award anticipated in October. The district has budgeted approximately $40 million for the upcoming fiscal year to construct portions of Canal C, Canal D, and a connecting park. Concurrently, TRWD is preparing for the Army Corps of Engineers to award a construction contract for the North Bypass Channel this fall. The district is responsible for a 35% local share of the Central City Flood Control Project, which requires a 5% cash contribution drawn from its governmental contingency fund. The southern half of the bypass channel is already 100% designed and awaiting bidding based on the outcomes of the northern segment. To prepare for these massive capital outlays, General Manager Dan Vuman and financial staff proposed a 3% increase in the district's tax rate, raising it to 2.73 cents per $100 valuation. This increase is intended to generate a $572,409 capital reserve. Without a rate increase, the district would face a $405,000 deficit in funding its baseline operations and maintenance, which accounts for nearly 70% of the general fund budget. The budget also includes an increase in engineering consulting fees to fund a planned economic analysis for the Mary's Creek Flood Control Reservoir, located upstream of Fort Worth in the floodway. Additionally, the district is advancing sediment removal and erosion control work, and has budgeted $690,000 for a new wheeled hydraulic excavator to aid in emergency flood response and drainage channel maintenance. During the meeting, board members expressed concern over long procurement lead times for the heavy equipment necessary to maintain the floodway and keep projects on schedule. Staff noted that while availability for light trucks has improved, specialty equipment like haul trailers still requires constant vendor management and potential contingency bidding strategies to prevent delays.