Hidalgo County Commissioners moved one step closer to beginning work on levee repairs that would be combined with a border wall designed to halt illegal entry from Mexico.

The court unanimously approved measures that allow engineering designs to be finalized. Next week, the court is expected to approve an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that would allow reimbursement of the portion of levee that is combined with a border fence.The agreement would jumpstart construction.

The county also approved agreements that allow the Hidalgo County Drainage District #1 to solicit bids for to begin repairs on non-border wall portions of the flood control system.

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Jackie Leatherman covers Hidalgo County government and general assignments at The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4424.