On Monday, March 10^th, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) and United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director, Paco Valentin, joined officials from the City of Encinal and La Salle County Judge, Joel Rodriguez for the groundbreaking of the new Encinal City Hall. 

“I congratulate the City of Encinal for this important milestone and new beginning for our community,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “The federal investment from USDA will support the construction of a new city hall to provide expanded resources to the residents of Encinal.  With the Eagle Ford Shale and recent economic boom, we need to ensure that we are investing in local infrastructure that will sustain this growth and keep our cities prospering.  I thank Mayor Sanchez and Judge Rodriguez as well as the City Council, the County Commissioners, for their commitment to securing this funding.  I thank United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director, Paco Valentin, for his constant support of our rural communities and look forward to continuing to work on this project with him.”

Rep. Cuellar and USDA Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin join the City of Encinal, Webb County and La Salle County to break ground on the new Encinal City Hall.

"The groundbreaking today represents the beginning of a new city hall facility, which will which serve as an outlet for city offices, support services, and law enforcement, in one convenient location,” said USDA Rural Development Texas State Director Paco Valentin. "USDA is committed to working with communities like Encinal to enhance the quality of life for rural Texas residents."

“I am excited that no town is too small when it comes to the contributions of our federal representatives,” said Encinal City Manager, Velma Davila.  “Congressman Cuellar has been an inspiration to this entire region in leading the way as South Texas cities like Encinal grow during the expansion of the Eagle Ford Shale.  Our rural communities also have a great partner in United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Francisco “Paco” Valentin.  He and his staff have worked hand in hand to provide guidance and funding to Encinal. On behalf of the Mayor, myself, City Staff & my consulting team Consultant Ashley Eddington & City Attorney Juan Caballero, I am excited about our future at Encinal and am confident  that there is nothing that we can’t accomplish by working together.”

Rendering of proposed City Hall building, provided by the City of Encinal.

The City of Encinal received a Community Facilities Loan in the amount of $1,513,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.  The funds will allow the City to construct a new City Hall that will be almost triple the size of the current building.  

The new building 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.  The new building will include office space for the council chamber, city staff, police, municipal staff, permitting staff and the Encinal Economic Development Corporation.  It will also have a pantry and a food bank for the community.