Rep. Cuellar and USDA Under Secretary Torres Small Announce $2 Million to Help Guarantee Zapata County’s Water Supply
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Dec 18, 2022, 0 Comments
Courtesy Arturo Olivares,
The funds will be distributed to the Siesta Shores Water Control and Improvement District and Zapata County
Washington, DC– U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced $2,000,000 for Zapata County and the Siesta Shores Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) to support necessary drought mitigation measures that will help guarantee Zapata County’s water supply.
Zapata County and the Siesta Shores WCID will each receive $1,000,000. The funding was awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program.
“This past summer, we got a glimpse of the grave repercussions that low water levels in Falcon Lake could have on our community. This funding is fundamental to ensuring that we can prepare for times of drought,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I want to thank USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Torres for coming to Zapata to announce this funding that will help guarantee water for our county’s families. I also want to thank USDA State Director Lillian Salerno, USDA Area Director Roel Gomez, Zapata County Judge Joseph Rathmell, the Zapata County Commissioners, Zapata County, and the Siesta Shores WCID for working tirelessly on this project that is paramount to the prosperity of Zapata County.”
“Every person in America deserves a fair shot in accessing well-built affordable homes and safe water and wastewater systems to thrive no matter where they live,” said USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Torres Small. “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA remains committed to partnering with the people of rural America and with leaders like Representative Henry Cuellar to help get critical resources to the people in rural places who need them most. Today’s investments are an example of this important work.”
“I want to thank Congressman Cuellar and USDA Undersecretary Torres-Small on their announcement tomorrow of 2 million dollars in USDA funding for Zapata County. 1 million dollars will be awarded to Siesta Shores WCID and an additional 1 million to Zapata County Waterworks. These grant monies will be essential to both districts in securing necessary equipment and infrastructure to ensure water deliveries to our residents during drought conditions. I also want to thank USDA Rural Development area director Roel Gomez and his staff for their assistance,” said Zapata County Judge Joseph Rathmell.
Siesta Shores WCID will utilize the funds to purchase: a new filter for excess silt and water recycling; raw water pumps with a low float platform; a 6-inch water pipe and fittings; and electrical wiring for the intake.
Zapata County will use the funds to construct a new water intake; dredge a portion of Falcon Lake; build an area lined with stone that will provide water free of silt or debris; purchase a trailer mounted water pump that can be moved in response to low water levels; and to install back-up generators and a new meter to report accurate water levels.
Engineering fees will also be covered by the awarded funding.
