Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced a $20 million authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure, including water supply in Zapata County, as well as the authorization of the Falcon Lake Dredging Project.

“Water is life,” said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s vital that our water infrastructure benefits all South Texans. This authorization will help ensure residents of southern Zapata County have the water access they need.”

The $20 million authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure aims to allow the county to add an interconnection to a 2-mile stretch in the southern portion of the county, which is currently served by the neighboring county’s water supply system. The project will bring this portion of the county onto Zapata County's water supply system.

Congressman Cuellar secured bill text that includes a provisions adding Falcon Lake to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Lakes Program.

It will allow the county to receive assistance with dredging Falcon Lake, specifically the portions around water pumps. When water levels are low, the pumps are not able to operate. The dredging will remove sediment and allow the pumps to operate at lower water levels.

This will ensure that Falcon Lake continues to be a useful water source for South Texas, as well as a popular recreation spot.

Congressman Cuellar was able to secure both projects in this year’s Water Resources Development Act.

Congressman Cuellar has brought in other critical funding for Zapata County, including $2,000,000  for a new fire station, $1,000,000  for a new emergency operations center,  $660,000 for the sheriff department headquarters, $1,000,000 to repair homes, and $1,000,000 for the renovation of the Zapata County 4-H Rodeo Arena.

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