Washington, DC (April 19, 2007) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced the passage of a federal water bill that includes more than $35 million for pressing water and wastewater projects in South Texas. The Water Resources Development Act, which the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 384-25, contains funding for the Raymondville flood control project and authorizes money for infrastructure projects in the colonias.

“Protecting and improving upon our water resources and wastewater infrastructure is of the utmost importance to communities throughout the country, and especially those in Texas,” said Hinojosa. 

Specifically, the $35 million authorization will assist the Army Corps of Engineers in planning, designing, and constructing infrastructure projects that will run water, sewage, and other critical lifelines into the homes of colonia communities. Language was also added to the bill that will help reimburse Hidalgo County for its construction of flood relief drains that will create a flood network with an outlet connected to the Gulf of Mexico.

“Through study and project implementation, we can continue taking steps to prepare for conditions ranging from floods to drought to ensure that our communities aren’t significantly affected,” said Hinojosa.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 provides funding for water resources development and conservation projects. Projects and studies funded through WRDA address navigation, environmental restoration, ecosystem restoration, hurricane and storm damage reduction, flood damage reduction, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and shoreline protection. The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.