Commissioner Miller Awards $500,000 to Kerr County For Infrastructure Improvements (12/15/2015)

AUSTIN - Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has awarded $500,000 to Kerr County for critically needed infrastructure improvements through the Colonia Fund grant program. These grants are federally funded and administered through TDA’s Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) program, which helps create viable communities, suitable living conditions and expanded economic opportunities in rural Texas. Kerr County plans to use the funds for sewer system improvements, which will benefit the Center Point, Westwood Park and Hill River Country Estates colonias. “Rural communities work hard to improve local infrastructure and provide a safe place for people to live, work and raise their families,” Commissioner Miller said. “Through Texas Community Development Block Grants, we can support our neighbors as they implement these critically needed public works projects. Together, the Texas Department of Agriculture and communities across the state are ensuring a bright future for rural Texas.”

In 2015, TDA awarded more than $5 million in Colonia Fund grant awards to communities throughout Texas.

"Kerr County is home to many vibrant and growing businesses located in the heart of the Hill Country,” Sen. Troy Fraser said. “I am pleased to see that the Texas Department of Agriculture has chosen to support the economic development of this area with state resources dedicated to the building of new infrastructure that will support the efforts of so many hard working Texans."

"The grant funds awarded by the Texas Department of Agriculture will be used to make important improvements in our Hill Country and South Texas communities,” Rep. Andrew Murr said. “Building and maintaining infrastructure necessary to keep these rural communities strong and thriving is integral to the livelihoods and households of thousands of Texans, and I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of all involved who made this award happen. Each day, I see the value of continued investment in our rural communities and the resulting benefits to our families and children, making me proud to be serving the people this grant impacts."

“We are grateful for the generous grant funding we have received from the Texas Department of Agriculture,” said Kerr County Judge Tom Pollard. “This grant will help to provide a much-needed sewer system for hundreds of Kerr County citizens and help keep our community and our river clean. This grant of $500,000 means the Texas Department of Agriculture understands just how important this project is to our community.”