Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) along with City of Cotulla Mayor Joe R. Lozano announced $1,527,000 in federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development for the City of Cotulla. The funds will be used to improve and upgrade 2.1 miles of streets throughout the city after it has experienced a higher amount of vehicular traffic following the boom of oil and gas production in the region.

“The federal funds made available today to the City of Cotulla will provide the much needed infrastructure for the city’s streets that have seen busy traffic after the local boom of oil and gas production, which is creating jobs in the region,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I thank USDA State Director Paco Valentin for his work in helping the City of Cotulla secure this grant, as well as City of Cotulla Mayor, Joe R. Lozano. I stand ready to work with all to bring additional resources to the area which will create economic opportunities.”

In the past two years, the City of Cotulla has experienced a high increase in vehicular traffic. This increase is due to the recent oil and gas boom which has brought more people to the area. In 2009, the City of Cotulla had a population of 3,614, however, recent figures provided by the La Salle Chamber of Commerce estimate the City of Cotulla’s population at more than 7,000.

“Today’s funding announcements represent the diversity of assistance USDA Rural Development can provide to communities to improve infrastructure and public services in rural Texas,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director.  “From street improvements in Cotulla to a new municipal building in Jourdanton, Rural Development is pleased to assist these recipients by providing the needed funding to their communities.”