Elsa, TX (KRGV) — Elsa city officials held a Thursday meeting to discuss a proposed flood control project that could help the city and nearby communities.

The plan calls for turning two gravel pits into retention ponds. The ponds would hold excess rainwater and help reduce flooding in nearby neighborhoods and along roadways, according to Elsa City Manager JJ Ybarra.

The Texas Water Development Board will put $223,000 toward studying the proposed project. For now, the project remains in the exploratory stage.

“This is a project that will continue to alleviate any water or stressors related to water or flood mitigation for the next 20 years. This is a pretty innovative project,” Ybarra said.

Ybarra said flooding does not end at the city limits, and the project is meant to help Elsa, Edcouch, La Villa, and the surrounding areas. Ybarra said the area is growing exponentially and the city is preparing for the future.

Once the study is complete, the findings will help determine whether the project can move forward.