Washington, DC—U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that he secured $3,623,157 in federal dollars for rural transportation providers in Texas’ 28^th Congressional District through the Texas Transportation Commission and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The federal funding is provided through formula grants which will be distributed to the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council and the Webb County Community Action Agency.

“Public transportation in rural communities is often underfunded, underutilized and underserved. However, public transportation is essential for rural communities to grow and prosper,” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “These formula grants will provide San Antonio, the RGV and Laredo to continue its upgrades and additions to the current public transportation offerings allowing residents to visit the grocery store, attend doctors’ appointments and other daily tasks.  As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to bringing more federal funding to South Texas for our community to succeed and for our economy to thrive.”

“AACOG and the Alamo Regional Transit (ART) program are honored and humbled to receive another round of funding for this critical service,” Diane Rath, Executive Director of the Alamo Area Council of Governments. “Our rural area residents continue to depend on our 80-vehicle fleet to ensure safe and reliable transportation to-and-from their essential visits: trips to dialysis appointments, grocery visits, and even to work and school are vital to riders across the 12,500 square mile region. Events like the pandemic and Winter Storm Uri have reinforced the level of need for rural transportation, and we look forward to continue meeting and exceeding our stakeholders’ expectations.”

“A healthy and reliable transportation system is critical for the Rio Grande Valley, now and in the future,” said Manny Cruz, Executive Director of the Lower RGV Development Council. “The funding allocation to the LRGVDC's will allow the Valley Metro Transportation system to continue to provide public transit services within the Rural areas of the RGV's five county region, Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr & Zapata. These services consist of safe and reliable regional transportation options that connect our community to opportunities, support economic vitality, and enhance the quality of life throughout the region. The services of on-demand response and flex routes will provide transportation access to the residents in the rural areas for important services such as health care needs, education, employment, shopping, recreation, and other services.”

“The Webb County Community Action Agency (WCCAA)  is grateful for the 5311 Federal Rural Transit  funds of $434,540.00 and the 5339 grant of $76,028.00 received totaling $510,568.00,” said Maria Silva, Deputy Director of the Webb County Community Action Agency. “The funds will assist the agency with operations, administrative expenses, and aid in the replacement of bus facilities for continued transportation services to the rural areas of Webb County.”

The full funding award amounts are below:

$2,054,479—Alamo Area Council of Governments

$1,058,110—Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council

$510,568—Webb County Community Action Agency

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