WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced the authorization of two projects: Lake Casa Blanca Dredging Project and the Webb County Colonias Water Infrastructure Project.

Congressman Cuellar secured language authorizing the projects in this year’s Water Resources Development Act, which he helped pass. The language allows Lake Casa Blanca to receive federal funding to dredge Lake Casa Blanca, and $20,000,000 to build water and wastewater infrastructure for Webb County colonias residents.

“Water is life – and from our faucets to our parks, it is vital to ensure that families enjoy access to water. These new projects will increase water access and improve the quality of life for Webb County residents. Securing language to authorize these crucial projects is the first step in the process – I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues across the aisle to ensure this bill becomes law,” said Dr. Cuellar. “In Congress, I’ll keep fighting for resources to ensure families will have more access to clean water. I want to thank the City of Laredo and Webb County for working with me to make these projects possible.”

The projects authorized through the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 are as follows:

Lake Casa Blanca Dredging Project:

The bill text includes provisions adding Lake Casa Blanca to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Lakes Program. These inclusions will allow Lake Casa Blanca to receive dredging assistance from the Army Corps.

Webb County Colonias Water Infrastructure Project

Rep. Cuellar secured a $20 million authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Webb County Colonias. The funds authorized in this bill will be used for the design and construction of:

• Water distribution infrastructure
• House-to-line connections
• Septic tanks
• Floodplain mitigation

District Water Infrastructure Projects Secured by Congressman Cuellar

Guadalupe County

• Language authorizing a Flood Risk Management Study in Guadalupe County for the Santa Clara Creek Watershed. This study will address flood risks and guide our next steps to improve flood resiliency in Guadalupe County.

Bexar County

• Language to restore Martinez Creek in Bexar County.

Zapata County

• $20 million project authorization to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in Zapata County. This authorization 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.

• Language allowing Falcon Lake to be eligible for federal assistance with dredging. This will ensure that Falcon Lake continues to be a useful water source for South Texas, as well as a popular recreation spot.

State of Texas

• Language authorizing $200 million for environmental infrastructure projects in Texas.

The Water Resources Development Act is integral to bolstering South Texas’s water infrastructure and ensures that communities have access to safe, reliable water. Congressman Cuellar will continue to make sure that residents in South Texas have the proper infrastructure for clean water as well as the infrastructure needed to combat flooding.

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