Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D/TX-28) presented the City of Encinal with a $1,513,000 loan from the United States Department of Agrigulture (USDA). In attendance at the event was City of Encinal Mayor Sylvano Sanchez and USDA Rural Department State Director Paco Valentin.

“The successful progressive development of the City of Encinal has been evident throughout the past few years,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These funds will be a supportive component to the continuation of the community’s expansion by providing new and efficient delegation offices for city officials.”

The new building will be approximately 6200 square feet and will house the city offices of the Mayor, Police Department, City Manager and City Staff. In addition, the building will also include a chamber for City Council and Encinal Economic Development Corporation meetings.

“We are pleased the City of Encinal has utilized Rural Development funds for this project, which will benefit the entire community on many levels,” said Paco Valentin, Rural Development State Director. “The new city hall will provide rural residents with a centralized and modern location to access elected officials, emergency responders and support services.”

Within the facility, a community pantry will also be constructed to be used to gather and distribute food and items from the local food bank.

“The funds will be used to construct and outfit our new City hall. It will be the central point of commerce for the City of Encinal,” said Sylvano Sanchez, Mayor for the City of Encinal. “The City hall will be approximately 6200 square feet and will include a brick, plaster, and wood façade that will embrace existing historical buildings within the city.  It will integrate modern energy savings components such as double pane/ low-e glass, insulated doors and walls, energy efficient HVAC, energy efficient light fixture and low flow plumbing fixtures.”

Congressman Cuellar presents over $1.5 million in federal funds to the City of Encinal