Commissioner Miller Awards $2.4 Million to Brooks, Kenedy, Duval, Jim Wells And Zapata Counties For Infrastructure Improvements (12/16/2015)

AUSTIN - Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has awarded nearly $2.4 million to Brooks, Kenedy, Duval, Jim Wells and Zapata 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.

Brooks County: Awarded $500,000 for sewer system improvements in the Cantu Road and Don Pedrito colonias.

Kenedy County: Awarded $500,000 for water system improvements in the colonia of Sarita.

Duval County: Awarded $500,000 for water and sewer system improvements in the Cadena and Real colonias.

"I commend my friend, Agriculture Commissioner Miller, and the Texas Department of Agriculture for working with us and our county officials to make these grants available to our communities,” Rep. Ryan Guillen said. “These resources will go a long way to continue improving the water and wastewater infrastructure in our Brooks, Kenedy and Duval County counties." 

Jim Wells County: Awarded $500,000 for water infrastructure in the colonia of K-Bar.

Zapata County: Awarded $396,060 for sewer system improvements in the colonia of Truman Phelps.