Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (DTX-28) joined the United States Department of Agriculture to break ground on a $6.2 million federally funded project to renovate the Ebony Street drainage system in Roma. These Rural Development funds will be used for storm drainage construction to correct major flooding to residents in the area on Ebony Road. This will improve community access, as well as improve safety and health by stabilizing existing unpaved roadway.

“I would like to congratulate the city of Roma for beginning this infrastructure update that will greatly benefit the community. This city received over $6 million in federal funding that will ensure that Roma residents and their property are protected from major rainfall,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (DTX-28). “My office has been working with the city of Roma and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for many years and I would like to thank USDA Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin, as well as Mayor Guerra.”

“USDA Rural Development is pleased to assist the City of Roma with funding to update storm drainage systems which will improve public safety and health standards for its community members,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director.

“Up to date, the Ebony Avenue project is the most ambitious project the city of Roma has undertaken,” said Mayor Jose A. Guerra, Jr. “Congressman Cuellar has been very adamant about providing relief since the floods of 2008. This project will go a long way towards alleviating the damage caused by those floods.”

Through funds provided by the American Recovery Reinvestment Act, which Congressman Cuellar voted for in 2009, the USDA was able to aid in a project that was sorely needed.  The project entails: $1.1 million dollars for roadway improvements that includes 1.45 miles of Asphalt and 7,650 linear feet of sidewalk; $3.2 million dollars for drainage improvements that includes a storm sewer, 2 detention ponds; and 42 manholes and $232 thousand dollars for Utility Replacement and Adjustments that includes water meter adjustments and the replacing of waterlines.