City to break ground on Ramos Ct. drainage system improvements

Three years after flooding devastated a neighborhood in El Paso’s lower valley, city officials are breaking ground to begin construction.

In 2011, a levee breach in the Franklin Canal sent water into homes on Ramos Court and surrounding streets that looked like rivers.

Many residents lost everything they owned and spent days cleaning up a soggy, muddy mess.

Devastation quickly turned into frustration and residents blamed the city for not doing anything to help them out. Some said they have been asking for better drainage systems for years.

Thursday evening, the transformation of the Ramos Ct. neighborhood is set to begin with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The City of El Paso’s Engineering and Construction will begin on a project this month to alleviate flooding and improve streets and sidewalks.

More than $1.2 million was approved Tuesday by city council to fully reconstruct Ramos Court, Manning Way and a portion of Little Flower Road.

The project includes upgrades to the storm water system, sewer and water lines and a ponding area.

The ponding area will be funded by the El Paso Water Utilities’ stormwater fee that customers pay.

Crews will also add ADA compliant sidewalks, ramps and new street lighting.

A federal grant obtained by the city will help pay for the improvements on Manning Way.

The project is expected to be complete in the spring of 2015.

The groundbreaking ceremony begins at 6pm and will be located at the southwest end of Ramos Ct.