FLORESVILLE, TX— Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) attended a ceremony recognizing the completion of the City of Floresville’s newly constructed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and to announce $888,556.85 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for Wilson County. Construction of the Floresville wastewater treatment plant was made possible with $9.47 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through their Rural Development Program. Specifically, funding was provided through a USDA $1.79 million grant, $7.49 million in USDA direct loans, and a $180,000 contribution from the City of Floresville. Following the ceremony, the Congressman announced more than $888,000 in FEMA funding for Wilson County. From this funding, over $100,000 will be awarded by FEMA to reimburse the county for overage costs incurred due to damages from the 2015 Memorial Day Weekend Flooding.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Funding

The City of Floresville received $9.47 million in funding from the USDA Rural Development Program which includes $1.79 million in grant, $7.49 million in loan, and $180,000 in City funding contribution. This funding has allowed the city to construct this new facility with significant upgrades to the previous wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and collection system. Major improvements to the WWTP include:

·         A new carousel oxidation basin;

·         Two new clarifiers;

·         A new disinfection system;

·         A new chlorine contact chamber;

·         A belt filter press for sludge processing;

·         New emergency power; and

·         Electrical and control system improvements.

Specifically, the WWTP improvements will increase the plant’s average flow capacity from 900,000 gallons per day (GPD) to 1.2 million GPD and increase peak flow capacity from 1.8 million GPD to 4.8 million GPD. The new plant will have the capacity to anticipate the City of Floresville’s expected growth through 2050. Significant upgrades to the existing wastewater treatment plant will develop essential community facilities in rural areas, paving the way for a stronger future for the City of Floresville.

Congressman Cuellar has made it a top priority to ensure that disaster relief reaches the 28th District of Texas. In fiscal year 2018, he helped secure $48.6 million from the USDA Rural Development Program through the Appropriations Committee. This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. In fiscal year 2019, he continued to support this program and helped secure $43.7 million in funding.  

Congressman Cuellar stated, “Funding for the Wastewater Treatment Plant will allow the City of Floresville to make improvements to the WWTP, which will ensure that the plant is able to meet heightened state treatment standards and the demands of Floresville’s rising population. I would like to thank City of Floresville Mayor Gonzalez-Dipple, the City of Floresville, the City Council, USDA and the Wastewater Treatment Plant for engaging in this critical mission.”

“After years of planning and construction Floresville is so excited to celebrate our waste water opening on Friday, said Mayor of Floresville Cissy Gonzalez-Dippel. “A million thanks to Congressman Cuellar and all who made it possible.”

“As City Manager, I am so proud to have the Congressman visit our lovely City and recognize the completion the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water project,” said Floresville City Manager Henrietta Turner. “With the help and assistance of Congressman Cuellar’s office and the continuous support of the USDA and elected officials, the City of Floresville has worked hard to make this project come into fruition. We look forward to seeing the countless benefits that come as a result of this.”

FEMA Disaster Relief Funding

Wilson County was awarded over $1.18 million in federal and state funds from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM). The federal reimbursement share of the award, of over $888,000, comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster relief program. Congressman Cuellar was instrumental in ensuring the county received FEMA funding after the May, 2015 catastrophic flooding. The reimbursements covered costs to repair crucial infrastructure in the county including roads, bridges and culverts. Included in this funding was over $100,000 to cover critical overage costs, which the Congressman helped expedite to the county. 

“We must continue to secure necessary resources to help areas like Wilson County recover from disastrous floods,” said Congressman Cuellar. “With this overage award, Wilson County received 100% coverage for all documented and validated costs after succumbing to severe weather. I would like to thank Wilson County, Commissioner Gamez, Judge Richard Jackson and FEMA for joining me in making monumental recovery efforts and ensuring this community received the aid it greatly deserved.”

Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez said, “I want to give thanks to Leann Holechek from the Emergency Management I of Wilson County for working with us on this project. I would additionally like to thanks the representatives from the office of Congressman Henry Cuellar for helping us secure funding for the FEMA projects for the 2015 Memorial Day Weekend flooding. After much anticipation, we are happy to announce that received payments that we needed to make this a reality. With the help of Congressman Cuellar, these funds are already being put to great use by upgrading our roads. Again, I give thanks to everybody that helped out in this recovery and secured these funds.”

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