Congressman Henry Cuellar announced today that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the United States Department of Agriculture, through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, has awarded Wilson County $286,000 for drainage improvements as a result of last year’s heavy rains.
 
Specifically, the dollars will be used for the overall maintenance of the drainage systems damaged by the March 2007 torrential rains that hit Wilson County. The $286,000 awarded is a partial award and the remaining request for assistance is on a waiting list for EWP Program funding. Should additional funds become available, the Wilson County disaster recovery request will be re-evaluated for technical and financial assistance.

“Ensuring the safety and well being of our communities is an issue I take very seriously,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The money that Wilson County is receiving today is an indication of the strong working relationships between county and federal government. I would like to thank the Wilson County officials for their leadership on this flooding issue.”

Wilson County officials also received the news about the funding with great excitement.

“The funds provided to Wilson County through the EWP program will be used for projects implementing erosion control through placement of rock riprap to minimize washouts, therefore, insuring the roads that the citizens drive on are passable.  These protective measures will reduce the threat of future damages to roads, bridges, property and utilities,” said Wilson County Judge Marvin Quinney.

“I want to thank Congressman Cuellar for the strong interest he takes in the well-being of the citizens in Wilson County,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Leonard Rotter. “Wilson County receives these funds with open arms.”

For information on federal grants, contact Congressman Cuellar’s Office at 202-225-1640. To learn more about Congressman Cuellar, log on to www.cuellar.house.gov

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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