Commissioner Miller Awards More Than $1 Million to Nueces, San Patricio And Aransas Counties For Infrastructure Improvements (12/16/2015)

AUSTIN - Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has awarded $1.4 million to Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas counties 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

“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.

Nueces County: Awarded $483,333 for water system improvements in the colonias of Cindy Park and the Ranch.

”With these funds, the Texas Department of Agriculture has taken a positive step towards improving the lives of colonia residents in Nueces County,” Rep. Abel Herrero said. “I look forward to seeing this project materialize and provide residents with essential access to clean drinking water. Having a source of safe water is a basic life necessity, and I thank the Texas Department of Agriculture and Nueces County for their continued efforts.”

San Patricio County: Awarded $500,000 for sewer infrastructure in the colonia of Falman and housing rehabilitation in the colonia of Taft Southwest.

"By administering our state's Colonia Fund, the Texas Department of Agriculture provides critical support to local communities," Sen. Judith Zaffirini said. "I am delighted that residents of San Patricio County will benefit from improved sewer infrastructure, which will improve greatly their quality of life."

"Without these types of grants, many impoverished areas of the state would be without basic services," San Patricio County Judge Terry Simpson said.

Aransas County: Awarded $456,681 for water system improvements in the colonia of Smith and Wood.