Washington, DC (October 27, 2008) – Today, Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15) announced several grants that will be awarded to the Rio Grande Valley by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The USDA’s grant to Stelera Wireless will be used to build a wireless broadband system that will serve rural areas in 55 communities in states including Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas. Approximately, 33,902 residential subscribers, and 1,939 business subscribers will be able to access the proposed broadband wireless service. Specifically the counties of Bee and Refugio will benefit from the telecommunications grant provided.
“Access to the basics of technology by residents in rural areas has been a continuous challenge. In the past, telephone, television and cable service were limited in reach, today the internet faces those same obstacles,” said Hinojosa. “Bandwidth technology will allow those in rural areas to connect faster to the free-flow of information provided by the internet from: health care providers, educational institutions, government agencies, and many other outlets. The USDA’s grant will bring innovation to many, simply by clicking a mouse.”
In addition to the USDA’s award, HUD’s HOME grants program and The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) have also received funding. These grants allow State and local governments, to develop and provide low –income families with homes, and expand the supply of affordable housing in the area. The CDBG’s additional purpose includes expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate-income individuals.
“HUD’s commitment to Texas has provided many residents in the Rio Grand Valley area with a place to call home,” said Hinojosa. “There are few things more fundamental to our human experience than the need to have a roof over our heads. Ensuring a safe, secure, and affordable home environment to low-income families is not only HUD’s goal, but also an essential part of the American dream; with these two grants we are little closer to achieving that end.”
The following is a list of the amounts awarded by HUD to cities in South Texas:
CDBG- Edinburg $920,053
CDBG- Harlingen $946,817
HOME- Harlingen $367,421
CDBG- McAllen $1,766,170
HOME- McAllen $600,183
CDBG- Pharr $1,104,749text}
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