San Antonio, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $4,940,000 in federal loans to East Central Special Utility District (SUD) and $2,840,00 in federal loans to Green Valley Special Utility District (SUD) for upgrading and improving the area’s public water system. These funds, awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Water and Disposal Loan and Grant Program, will be used to help improve the quality of water and wastewater infrastructure for Texans living in rural communities.

As a member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Appropriations, Congressman Cuellar is responsible for funding programs within the USDA. Congressman Cuellar helped secure $462 million for the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program in the final spending bill for fiscal year 2020.

“Access to clean, safe drinking water as well as efficient wastewater management facilities will not only increase the quality of life for residents in rural communities but will also boost the overall development of these areas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This investment will strengthen local economies, improve infrastructure, and enhance public health. As a senior member of the Agricultural Subcommittee on the Appropriations, I will continue to fund programs that build stronger, more sustainable communities in Rural America. I would like to thank both East Central SUD and Green Valley SUD for their continued efforts in providing quality water and waste management services to the residents of Bexar, Wilson, Guadalupe and Comal Counties.”

East Central Special Utility District (SUD)

Funding through this program will be used to upgrade approximately five miles of distribution lines with new pipes along Highway 87, Cooksey Road and Loop 1604. Therefore, allowing East Central SUD to provide adequate flow and water pressure to current and future residents within their three counties of service. East Central SUD currently supplies water service to approximately 5,000 customers in the eastern portion of Bexar County, the northwest portion of Wilson County, and the southwest portion of Guadalupe County.

Green Valley Special Utility District (SUD)

Funding through this program will allow for additional financing for construction of two 1-million-gallon elevated storage tanks at Green Valley SUD’s Plants. This project will assist Green Valley SUD in furthering their goal to provide safe, clean water to approximately 26,000 customers residing in service of areas within Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal Counties.

USDA Water and Disposal Loan and Grant Program

The funding comes from the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. The USDA is funding 161 projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, serving approximately 467,000 Americans in 44 States.

The grant program is managed through the USDA’s Office of Rural Development, which extends funding through loans and grants to assist with the expansion of economic opportunities and job creation in rural areas. This assistance supports improvements in infrastructure, business development, housing, and community facilities, such as schools, public safety, and health care.