Irving Secures $115 Million in State Funding for West Irving Creek Flood Project
Mark Evans
Funding Specialist
Kate Burum
Client Funding Specialist
The City of Irving has taken a major step toward reducing long-standing flood risks in South Irving by securing $70 million in financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for the West Irving Creek program. With this award and the $45 million the City received from the TWDB in 2023, Irving now has a total of $115 million to advance all phases of the project, which will improve West Irving Creek’s current drainage systems to reduce flood risk in a watershed with a history of flooding problems. Irving identified West Irving Creek as its highest infrastructure priority and partnered with Freese and Nichols to pursue a strategic and competitive funding approach.
Early Planning Positioned Irving for Success
Irving began evaluating the West Irving Creek program during a comprehensive planning study several years ago. That early work helped the City understand the project’s scale and strengthen its justification for state funding.
“That was the right moment to explore funding,” said Justin Oswald, Freese and Nichols Engineer, who managed the project from planning through funding applications and worked closely with Irving’s finance and legal teams. “We had enough technical understanding to justify the project, and the City was committed to moving forward, which made the timing ideal.”
The Flood Infrastructure Fund is a competitive state program. The most recent funding cycle brought in more than $1.8 billion in requests statewide. Irving’s early preparation allowed the City to submit applications that aligned with program requirements and clearly demonstrated the community need.
A Funding Strategy That Maximizes Savings
The latest award combines nearly $19 million in grant funding with more than $51 million in zero-interest financing. This approach will save Irving about $27 million over the life of the loan and frees capacity within the City’s capital program for additional drainage improvements.
“It is not just money saved. It means the City gets to do more,” Justin said.
With both rounds of funding, the City can now advance all four phases of the West Irving Creek program without delay.
A Transformative Project for South Irving
West Irving Creek runs through one of the City’s oldest neighborhoods and affects roughly 200 to 250 homes. Much of the area was developed in the 1960s, leaving behind drainage systems that are unable to accommodate today’s rainfall patterns.
The improvements will deepen and modernize the channel, increase capacity, upgrade roadway crossings and add new water quality features. The project also includes trails, plantings, restored riparian areas and stormwater ponds that support both community use and environmental health.
The first portion of the West Irving Creek Project is underway and will take three years to build. These upgrades will help protect residents from frequent flooding and strengthen long-term neighborhood resilience.
Partnership and Leadership Made the Difference
City leadership played a central role by identifying priorities early, coordinating across departments and responding quickly to funding opportunities. Freese and Nichols supported the effort by guiding the funding strategy, preparing application materials and coordinating technical and financial documentation.
What once appeared to be a difficult and costly challenge is now fully funded and moving steadily through design and construction. With the first phase already underway, Irving is moving closer to delivering long-awaited flood relief for South Irving residents.
Questions About Funding?
Contact: Mark Evans, mark.evans@freese.com, or Kate Burum, kate.burum@freese.com
About Our Funding Team
With more than three decades of experience helping clients navigate complex infrastructure funding options, the Freese and Nichols Funding Team supports communities seeking loan and grant programs for water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation and hazard mitigation projects. The team develops tailored strategies that combine grants, principal forgiveness and low or zero interest loans to help clients deliver essential infrastructure efficiently.
In the last seven years, Freese and Nichols has supported more than 75 projects funded through agency programs and has helped clients access more than $2.0 billion in financial assistance.
Mark Evans is a Funding Specialist based in San Marcos, Texas.
Kate Burum is a Client Funding Specialist based in Oklahoma City.