Press Release
CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR ANNOUNCES $500,000 FOR NEW IMPROVEMENTS IN ZAPATA COUNTY
Washington,
July 2, 2007
Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that the Zapata County has been awarded a Colonia-Construction grant in the amount of $500,000 for first-time sewer services. The grant was made available through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBGP) of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The purpose of this grant is to support community development projects such as sewer, water and housing rehabilitation to county applicants for projects in unincorporated, eligible non-border colonia areas. Such areas are determined eligible based on objective criteria including lack of potable water supply, adequate sewage systems and sanitary housing. These areas are located farther than 150 miles from the Texas-Mexico border. “The residents of the colonias in Zapata County deserve to enjoy a certain standard of living conditions. I am currently working in Congress to spur economic growth in colonias, which will help to raise the quality of life for the residents of these communities,” said Cuellar. In Zapta County, the grant will be used to provide sewer services to households located in the Falcon Lake Estates West. The 5,700 feet of sewer lines will create new connections for 44 homes. The funds provided by this CDBGP grant can be used for water and wastewater improvements, including first-time service, and for housing rehabilitation for low-income households. Other projects, including street paving and drainage, can be completed using the money provided by a CDBGP grant. The CDBGP program is administered by the Texas Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA). “This project will change the lives of the residents of Zapata County. Currently, there is no sewer system in place in the specified area, which poses a health hazard that has to be rectified. I will continue to work in Congress to bring resources to these citizens,” said Cuellar. |