Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that McMullen County has been awarded a Colonia-Construction grant in the amount of $500,000 for first-time sewer service.  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 McMullen 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 McMullen County, the grant will be used to provide sewer service to 28 homes that have no existing system in place.  The 4,000 feet of sewer lines will extend to beneficiaries on Deer Run Street and Quail Trail Street.

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 McMullen County.  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. 

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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