Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that the City of Penitas has been awarded $4,360,000 for the development of a new wastewater system.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development office has approved a direct loan in the amount of $1,364,000 and a development grant in the amount of $2,996,000. 

The proposed funds will be used to construct a mechanical wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, a grinder pump station and 450 house connections.  This is Phase I of three phases.  When completed, the project will benefit approximately 1,200 families living in and around the incorporated City limits of Penitas.  It will double the amount of house connections currently in place.

“These improvements will make an amazing difference for the citizens of Penitas.  My office has worked closely with Mayor Servando Ramirez and I want to congratulate him and the other city officials who have dedicated so much time to bring these funds to the City of Penitas,” said Cuellar. 

“We are very excited because this project will not only benefit the residents within the City of Penitas, but it will also create the opportunity for increased economic development,” said Oscar Cuellar, City Manager.

“This project will change the lives of the residents of Penitas.  Currently, there is no sewer system in place, 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.  “I am currently working to move legislation that will spur economic growth in colonia areas to escalate progress and improvements in these communities.”

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.
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