Palmview, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $6 million in North American Development Bank (NADB) funding for Agua Special Utility District (SUD) project that will provide first-time access to wastewater collection and treatment services for nearly 2,000 households in the area of Palmview, Texas. These federal funds were awarded through the NADB’s  Border Environment Infrastructure Fund (BEIF) program.

“Our community deserves safe drinking water and a strong wastewater treatment system that keeps our water clean,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment will provide wastewater treatment and collection, creating both economic and health advantages for the city. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for funding to modernize our water infrastructure that will expand public health and economic growth in our community.”

“I would like to thank Mayor Ricardo Villarreal, Mayor Pro-Tem Joel Garcia Sr., City Council members, as well as Agua Special Utility District General Manager Jose Saenz and its Board of Directors for their dedication to improving our community. I also want to thank NADB Managing Director Mateos-Hanel and the rest of his team for their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for people living along the U.S.-Mexico border by financing infrastructure projects for cleaner water, air, and land.”  

“This project is a great example of communities working together to optimize resources and provide efficient services to the residents of neighboring areas,” said Calixto Mateos-Hanel, NADB Managing Director. “The EPA funds will make it possible to provide a much-needed basic service to Palmview citizens.” 

“Improving our nation’s water infrastructure in communities across the country is a top priority for the Trump Administration,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “This new grant complements the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement creating a comprehensive approach to addressing an urgent public health and environmental need in border communities.” 

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar secured $25 million for EPA’s Border Water Infrastructure Program, which funds the NADB’s Border Environmental Infrastructure Fund, in the final spending bill.

The Palmview project will reduce environmental and health hazards associated with the inadequate treatment and disposal of wastewater, providing a cleaner healthier environment for its residents. Specifically, an estimated 900,000 gallons per day of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater discharges will be eliminated.

Residents currently use either a septic tank or other on-site wastewater disposal system, which are generally considered to be substandard due to population density and soil conditions, creating a potential health hazard during wet weather. This project will eliminate the risk of exposure to wastewater spills due to these failing on-site systems.