Appropriations and Legislative Disclosures

Community Project Funding Requests

FISCAL YEAR 2027 APPROPRIATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE DISCLOSURES

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez has submitted funding requests for important community projects in the 34th District of Texas to the House Appropriations Committee.

Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 15 projects in their community for fiscal year 2027 – although only a handful may actually be funded. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments are permitted to receive funding.

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez has certified that he, his spouse, and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects he has requested.

Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding

Agriculture, Rural Development

Project Name: La Feria's Acquisition of Fire Truck

Amount Requested: $1,250,000

Explanation: The City of La Feria is requesting funds to purchase a new fire truck for their volunteer fire department that provides coverage for La Feria residents as well as the neighboring cities of Santa Rosa, Santa Maria, Bluetown and over 68 square miles of coverage for the surrounding Cameron County area. 

Member's Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Laguna Madre Nature Center Phase II

Amount Requested: $1,500,000

Explanation: Cameron County is requesting funding for Phase II of the Laguna Madre Nature Center. Phase II will focus on the construction of the "Laguna Madre Environmental Discovery Boardwalk", which will further enhance environmental education and expand community learning opportunities throughout the Laguna Madre region. Specifically, this new addition will serve as an outdoor educational asset that allows students and visitors to engange directly with they bay while learning about coastal ecology, wildlife habitats, and the importance of protecting sensitive natural systems. This feature will encourage hands-on learning. In addition to the educational aspect, this project will support the regions economic growth by advancing ecotourism.

Member's Signed Certification Letter

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Science, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Brownsville Police Department's Drone Upgrades for Crisis Response Unit   

Amount Requested: $136,426.05 

Explanation: The Brownsville Police Department is requesting funds  to strengthen the department's Crisis Response Unit, specifically the SWAT (Tactical Team) and Drone Unit. These funds will support the purchase of drones that will assist these teams when responding to acts of terrorism and other critical incidents. The drones will also be used to take aerial photographs to help document crime scenes and gather important information during investigations. In addition, drones may be deployed inside structures to help clear buildings or specific areas without having to immediately expose SWAT team members or officers to potential danger. The use of this equipment will enhance public safety and help the department better serve and protect the community.

Member's Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Cameron County Sheriff's Tasers and Ballistic Shields for Police Units

Amount Requested: $900,000.00 

Explanation: The Cameron County Sheriff's Office is requesting funding to purchase tasers and ballistic shields for all police units within the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. The acquisition of tasers provides a crucial less-lethal option for de-escalating force scenarios, protecting officers and civilians alike. Furthermore, ballistic shields will enable personnel to safely approach dangerous situations, increasing their capacity to protect and rescue community members.

Member's Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Raymondville Police Department's Communication Consoles

Amount Requested: $250,000

Explanation: The Raymondville Police Department is requesting funds to replace outdated communication console systems and acquire a modern recording system for the Raymondville Police Department's 911 Public Safety Answering
Point.

Member's Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Willacy County Sheriff's Countywide Security Enhancement Project

Amount Requested: $350,000

Explanation: The Willacy County Sheriff is requesting funds to purchase security systems, including access control, across key county facilities: the sheriff's office/jail building and the courthouse/administration building.

Willacy County Sheriff's Office/Jail currently has an outdated, dilapidating, partially inoperable security surveillance system and does not have any access control features. The Willacy County Courthouse/Administration Building houses the offices of our Willacy Judge, County Commissioners, County and District Attorney, Treasurer Auditor, Clerk, District Clerk, District Judge, Public Defender, Justice of The Peace Precinct 1, and Willacy County Courtroom, and does not have any surveillance cameras nor does it have any access control capabilities.

Investing in this security infrastructure will maintain a safe environment for both employees and the public while protecting county government assets and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of essential county services.

Member's Signed Certification Letter