Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announces funding and legislative language to protect clean drinking water and support other environmental efforts in South Texas. For example, he secured $14.5 million for the Rio Grande Flood Control System Rehabilitation Project, a $3.5 million increase from the previous year’s funding, for levee projects along the Rio Grande.

 The House of Representatives passed the measures as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Act earlier this month.

 “Managing the natural resources that we all have to share is a fundamental role of government,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These common-sense programs protect us from waterborne disease, severe flood damage, and other environment-related harm. I secured this funding so my constituents, and Americans all over the country, can have safe communities and drinking water for their families.”

 Other environmental provisions supported by Congressman Cuellar included:

 ·         $64 million for Rural Water & Waste Disposal Program grants for Colonias, Native Americans, & Alaskan Native Villages

·         $1.4 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Funds

·         $863,233,000 for Drinking Water State Revolving Funds

·         $10 million for water and wastewater facilities in US-Mexico Border

·         $10,000,000 for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account

·         Language encouraging the Department of Energy to examine activities within midstream natural gas infrastructure research and development that curtail methane gas emissions in shale formations.

The Omnibus Appropriations Act funds the government for fiscal year 2017. It also included many other key legislative accomplishments for Congressman Cuellar, including support for education, low-income people, Rio Grande Valley citrus growers, and good governance.