Congressman Gonzalez Announces $13 Million Investment in Clean Drinking Water Infrastructure in Central and South Texas
WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced today a combined $13,067,900 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the El Oso Water Supply Corporation in Kenedy, Texas. The funding is part of a $307 million investment to update rural water and wastewater facilities and materials to secure access to clean, reliable drinking water.
"Clean drinking water is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure that we can invest in. Texans in urban and rural communities should not have to worry about a basic right and necessity due to lack of funding, or outdated materials," said Congressman Gonzalez. "With the recent failures by ERCOT, the fear of contaminated water is an even more acute reality for Texans. I am proud to bring this funding to the 15th District of Texas, and ensure that our communities are afforded a safe, reliable, and modernized drinking system."
The investments will fund two projects for El Oso Water Supply Corporation:
- $12,931,400 will be used to expand the water system capabilities by constructing a well, ground storage tank, and pumps as well as install two water transmission mains. These improvements will meet the demands during peak times with the replacement of the existing line and will reduce the amount of water loss due to leaks and breaks.
- $136,500 will be used to install a 120KW standby diesel generator with automatic transfer switch at Karnes City Standpipe water plant as well as, a 50 KW standby generator for the supervisory control and data acquisition. These generators will prevent a significant decline in quantity or quality of water due to power outages especially during the recent Texas arctic blast that occurred in February.
El Oso Water Supply Company provides service to five counties including Atascosa, Bee, Karnes, Live Oak, and Wilson.
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