Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that the McAllen Housing Authority has been awarded $160,786 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The funds will be used for relocation assistance for families in Retama Apartments.

“I congratulate the city of McAllen on receiving this grant.  This grant will provide critical resources to assist people with their relocation.  I will continue to work to bring services and resources to the citizens of McAllen,” said Cuellar.

The money comes through the Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing Relocation programs of HUD.  They were authorized by the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to help citizens relocate from buildings scheduled for demolition.  The Retama Apartment building is slated for demolition in conjunction with the HUD-approved disposition plan.

“Making sure that we help the residents of the Retama Apartments successfully relocate is a responsibility of our local and federal governments.  These funds will help these families smoothly transition to their new homes,” said Cuellar.

Congressman Cuellar and Congressman Ruben Hinojosa recently co-hosted a Federal Grants Workshop in McAllen.  They provided Grants Specialists from their staffs and recruited other agencies to help guide their constituents through the process of applying for and receiving federal grants.

“Taking advantage of the opportunity to receive federal funding for local problems is a key part of economic growth and development.  It is important that the people of McAllen benefit from all that the federal government can provide.  In Washington, I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that the community is aware of all of the opportunities available and how to go about acquiring them,” said Cuellar.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
####