EL PASO, Texas -- Your storm water fees are paying for a wildlife sanctuary that will double up as a retention pond.

Trucks started to excavate a large piece of land near Loop 375 and Northloop. Trucks are expected to dig below the water table to create a second wetland adjacent to the original Feather Lake.

Feather Lake II is expected to make more room to hold storm water in an area that is prone to major flooding.

Because the lake will act as an addition to the wildlife sanctuary, it is considered a green project and the utility was able to obtain an interest-free loan through the federal stimulus program.

"It will also be a tremendous ecological benefit for this neighborhood by adding another wetland. People can enjoy looking at birds, walking around or picnicking, as they already do Feather Lake I," said Christina Montoya with the Storm Water Utility.

Originally, the cost of the project was over $3 million, but since the construction bids came in so low, now the project has a $1 million price tag.