Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today joined USDA Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin and Jim Hogg County Officials to announce over $5.2 million in federal funding for the construction of a 48-bed jail in Hebbronville, Texas. Jim Hogg County will receive $3,949,000 in federal grant funding and $1,317,000 in a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Assistance Funds Program.

“The USDA has been a partner and a believer in Jim Hogg County, and thanks to these federal funds, we can ensure our new detention facility will keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Cuellar. “By investing in our law enforcement, we ensure we continue to protect our citizens and uphold our sense of security in Jim Hogg County.”

The new county jail will include the construction of 20,613 square foot facility to serve Jim Hogg’s population of over 5,000 people. Currently, the county jail and law enforcement offices are located in an older bank building which is over capacity and poses security issues. With these federal funds, the new facility will ensure adequate security and facility resources for local law enforcement.

“This USDA grant is one of the most significant given to Jim Hogg County for the construction of the jail facility,” said Jim Hogg County Judge Guadalupe “Lupe” Canales. “In this time, when financial difficulties are being experienced, the jail grant is a most welcome government gesture for our taxpayers.”

"USDA Rural Development is pleased to provide funding to Jim Hogg County to build a new detention and law enforcement center.  We realize how important this project is to the county and the law enforcement officials who protect the citizens who live and work in the area," said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director.     
 
In July 2008, Hurricane Dolly caused severe local flooding and extensive storm damage throughout South Texas. The combined federal grant and loan funds were made available through USDA’s disaster assistance program.

"Nine years ago, one of my top priorities as sheriff was to move towards the construction of a new sheriff's department and jail,” said Jim Hogg County Sheriff Erasmo “Kiko” Alarcon. “The beginning of that goal begins today."

 
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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.