Funds will be used for housing, water and sewer needs

Washington, DC (July 8, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today announced that the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) has awarded Brooks, Bee and Refugio Counties with Colonia Comprehensive Planning Fund grants to complete county-wide comprehensive colonia planning related to their housing, water and sewer needs.

Brooks County received $500,000 to replace 120 substandard on-site sewer facilities; Bee County received $500,000 to replace 92 substandard on-site sewer facilities; and Refugio County received $500,000 to provide first-time water service to 28 households. 

“Providing our communities with the means to help residents, especially those living in colonias, is of the utmost importance,” said Congressman Hinojosa.  “With these funds, Refugio County can begin taking steps to develop its infrastructure and improve the overall quality of life in the county.”
 
The funds are made possible from appropriations for the Community Development Block Grant Program of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  This program is administered for the state of Texas by ORCA through the Texas Community Development Program.