A $7 million drainage project in the city of Combes is on hold after the Federal Emergency Management Agency froze a grant meant for the project, Channel 5 News has learned.

The freeze went into effect on Friday, May 9, just two weeks after FEMA originally unfroze the funds.

The project aims to widen a drainage pipe to allow floodwaters from comes to cross underneath the expressway and into canals. It was first announced in June 2024.

Cameron County Drainage District #5 is in charge of the project, and said the nearly $900,000 grant from FEMA is needed to replace a drainage pipe underneath Interstate 69E.

Channel 5 News reached out to FEMA to ask about the funding freeze. A spokesperson replied with the following statement:

“At the direction of Secretary Noem, FEMA has implemented additional controls to ensure that all grant program activity is consistent with law and does not promote fraud, waste or abuse, as it has in the past.”

The drainage district said they’re also looking to purchase property near an elementary school to help move floodwaters out of neighborhoods.

Watch the video above for the full story.