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INCLUDES $1.5 MILLION FOR SAN ANTONIO RIVER PROJECT AND FUNDING TO POWER COLONIAS MICRO-GRIDS

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar today helped pass the H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, which makes key investments to protect America’s energy and water infrastructure. The bill also includes $1.5 million to restore an eight mile stretch of San Antonio’s downtown river channel and $550,000 to power colonias, impoverished dwellings along the border.  

“This bill makes sure our energy grid is protected and ensures our water is safe and clean,” said Congressman Cuellar. “That’s why I’m pleased that the San Antonio Congressional Delegation was able to secure the necessary funds to improve San Antonio’s downtown river channel. This investment will revitalize the downtown neighborhood and provide an opportunity for economic development.”

Congressman Cuellar worked with U.S. Representatives Charlie Gonzales (TX-20), Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23) and Lamar Smith (TX-21) to secure $1.5 million in funding for San Antonio’s downtown river channel improvement project. The eight mile stretch was previously channelized for flood control purposes and will now be restored to revitalize the historically underdeveloped neighborhood. This year, Congress increased funding to $5.5 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers to oversee water infrastructure projects like the one in San Antonio. This is a funding increase of $139 million since 2009.

The bill also includes $550,000 to power colonias dwellings in Webb and Zapata Counties. The micro-grid system provides power to colonias on a temporary basis until a connection to a larger power grid can be made. A prototype constructed by Texas A&M University currently powers twelve dwellings in La Presa Colonia in Webb County. This funding will expand the program to power the entire community (approximately 100 dwellings) with the potential to share the technology to other South Texas Colonias in the future.

“This major step forward will enhance every aspect of living in the colonias,” said Congressman Cuellar. “A little power goes a long way in these communities.”

The bill also includes restoration funding for Walnut Branch Park in Seguin. The project will create an adjoining hike and bike trail along the spring fed waterway known as Walnut Branch. The Army Corps of Engineers will add this to their priority list and determine funding amounts next year.

Today the House passed H.R. 3183, by a vote of 320-97, making vast investments in energy efficiency including $208 million to modernize the nation’s energy grid with $46 million specifically allocated to combat cyber attacks. Additionally, $2 billion will increase investments in domestic sources of energy and $1.5 billion will advance nuclear non-proliferation, to secure nuclear weapons and prevent nuclear materials from being smuggled into the United States.

The bill represents a fiscally responsible approach towards funding America’s needs while trimming excessive spending. This year, all twelve appropriations bills drafted by Congress come in $10 billion below the President’s budget request. In addition, Congressman Cuellar added a cost-savings amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill requiring federal agencies, funded by the bill, to purchase energy-efficient light bulbs.

 “These light bulbs last longer and use less electricity, which means we’ll spend fewer taxpayer dollars to replace them,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “In these hard economic times, we’re sending the right message to American taxpayers. If we spend your money we’ll spend it more efficiently.”