Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $3,648,900 in federal funding to Bruni Water Supply Corporation. These funds, awarded through U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development, will help finance the construction of a Micro-filtration system to correct arsenic levels in the drinking water.

“No American, whether in rural or urban areas, should have to worry about their drinking water,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These federal funds will help construct a strong and safe water filtration system, which is critical to having access to clean drinking water and a healthy community. I would like to thank the USDA Rural Development, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, Commissioner Wawi Tijerina and the rest of the County Commissioners as well as Bruni Water Supply Corporation for their efforts in securing safe water for the residents of Bruni.

“As a senior member on the Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to funding federal programs that support our rural areas and give them the tools and resources to strengthen their infrastructure.”

“Water is an essential part of life, securing these monies will ensure a long-term, reliable, quality supply of water for the residents of Bruni. I want to thank everyone who assisted in making this possible,” said Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina.

“This is great news for the residents of Bruni, Texas. Water is the source of life, and with these funds, the residents will have access to safe and clean drinking water which will improve the quality of life,” said Webb County Commissioner Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina. 

“This project has been a long time coming, It has been put together by many important people and we appreciate all they have done to make this happen. Our community needs and deserves good clean drinking water. This project will provide us the opportunity to complete this much needed resource for our community,” said Alan Garza, President of the Bruni Water Supply Corporation.

In the FY21 Appropriations bill, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $1.45 billion for rural water and waste program loans, and more than $610 million in water and waste grants for USDA Rural Development in their efforts to provide clean and reliable drinking water systems and sanitary waste disposal systems.

The main source of potable water for the community of Bruni is groundwater. The system currently has three groundwater wells and one ground storage tank. Two of these wells are in operation and are the main source of water; they are also currently used to fill the existing ground storage tank. The third well is on standby and used only to boost the system for firefighting. However, it is not safe to drink.

Currently, the two operating water wells that provide potable water to the community are in violation with the Texas Commission on Environment Quality for exceeding the drinking water standard level for arsenic.

Pictured is Congressman Henry Cuellar, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, Webb County Commissioner Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, Bruni Water Supply Board Members, and Lupita Zepeda, District Director for the Office of State Rep. Tracy King.