Laredo, TX — Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $935,000 in federal funding to provide water for Webb County colonias. The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant (ECWAG) and will be used to reimburse the county for 8 months of hauling water to 17 Webb County colonias, the purchase of 2 water tanker trucks, the purchase of surveillance cameras, and new pumps.

“I was very happy to help the county secure this federal funding that will provide them some relief for the expenses they have incurred providing water—a basic necessity—to the residents of rural colonias in our county,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Meeting my constituents’ essential needs has always been my top priority. In the Appropriations Committee, I helped increase the funding for USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program which provides essential funds for water and sewer projects in rural communities. I will keep working to close the gap between rural and urban communities and ensure that all South Texans have access to safe, clean drinking water. Thank you Webb County Judge, Tano Tijerina, USDA Area Director Roel Gomez, Commissioner, Wawi Tijerina, and the rest of the county for working with me to meet the necessities of colonias in our area.”

“For years now, my goal for my constituents has been to improve their quality of life by providing the necessities of life.   As we all know, water is a necessity and not a luxury.  The awarding of this water assistance grant will ensure that the needs of our citizens will continue to be met for years to come.,” Said Webb County Commissioner Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina

In total, the funding benefits approximately 2,000 residents in the following colonias: Colorado Acres, Ranchitos Las Lomas I, Ranchitos Las Lomas II, Los Veteranos, Las Pilas I, Las Pilas II, Valle Verde, Hillside Acres I, Hillside Acres II, Pueblo East, Las Haciendas, Los Centernarios, Los Arcos, East Gate Acres, Los Nopalitos, Los Mesquites, and Los Fresnos.

A breakdown of the reimbursement is provided below: 

• $499,056 to reimburse the county for 8 months of hauling water
• $420,696 to reimburse for 2 water tanker trucks
• $1,228 to purchase surveillance cameras

• $14,020 to replace equipment for water dispensers

Webb County colonias do not have a conventional water and sewer system and have lacked access to potable water. The county has been using its own funds to install a well water system including tanks and dispensers to provide potable water. The county has also been busing water in everyday on a 40- mile round trip. These federal funds will reimburse the county for these measures.