The Texas Department of State Health Services announced that after receiving a letter from U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar, Rubén Hinojosa and Solomon Ortiz, the State will expedite funding for mosquito abatement in several counties affected by Hurricane Alex.

The $500,000 approved late Thursday, was requested by Webb, Hidalgo and Cameron Counties for ground spraying chemicals and briquettes, which are placed in standing water to kill mosquito larvae.

“This will ensure important relief to our local communities in the wake of recent flooding in South Texas. From Laredo to the Valley, this will help abate the infestation of mosquitoes affecting our local families,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “This is good news we can use in the midst of these floods.”

“Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley I know how bad the mosquito infestation can get”, said Congressman Ruben Hinojosa. “We all know that right after a Hurricane or even a heavy rain, we get swarmed by mosquitoes. And knowing that mosquitoes carry dengue fever and the West Nile virus, we must not waste any time in getting rid of the problem. This is why we felt the need to write the letter asking for immediate assistance”.

“We will continue to look out for the people in South Texas and do all we can to ensure we continue to offer mosquito abatement in South Texas,” Congressman Solomon Ortiz said. “I thank Congressman Hinojosa and Cuellar for their cooperation on this issue.”

The letter sent by the three South Texas Congressmen also requested financial assistance for aerial spraying. The State determined that aerial spraying assistance cannot be granted until a total of $27 million in damages is reached by all the counties affected. Aerial spraying also requires approval by other federal agencies including the EPA and the Department of Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

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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 111^th 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.