EL CAMPO — The City of El Campo is pursuing state funding that could pay for a large-scale overhaul of parts of its water distribution system.

City officials have submitted an application through the Texas Water Development Board’s Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant Program after the City Council authorized staff to move forward with the request in June. If the application is approved, the city would receive approximately $17.35 million to complete the project without contributing local matching funds.

The proposed improvements include replacing more than 44,000 linear feet of older water mains with larger, modern lines designed to improve system reliability. Plans also call for the installation of 110 fire hydrants and the replacement of approximately 1,710 water service lines.

City Manager Courtney Sladek said the project would allow El Campo to address long-term infrastructure needs while avoiding additional costs for residents. The upgrades are also expected to strengthen connections between the city’s water production facilities, helping improve water quality and fire protection.

If funded, construction would focus on several areas of the city, including North Washington, portions of West Monserratte, Hoskins Broadway, Avenue C north of Peach, Pecan and nearby streets.

The grant application is currently under consideration by the state.