Dear [salutation],
It was important to me during this month's visit from United States Department of Agriculture officials that we toured colonias. We stopped by to speak with AYUDA to learn more about the challenges and opportunities and explore how the USDA may support for infrastructure and economic development.
Improving quality of life at colonias has been one of my priorities in Congress. In May 2021, I introduced the Colonia Infrastructure Improvement Act that invests $1.5 billion in drinking water, wastewater, and surface infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs.
This is also in addition to the financial support for colonias I included in the House FY23 NDAA that reauthorized the dormant EPA wastewater grant program at $100 million a year over a 5-year period and reduced the local cost share to 20 percent.
I also secured $70 million for drinking and wastewater USDA loans/grants for colonias and Native American communities in the FY22 appropriations omnibus bill, which was $2 million more the previous year.
As long as I’m in Congress, communities like the colonias can count on me.
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