Cuellar Backs Bill to Protect Colonia Funds as South Texas Expands

Addressing Infrastructure Gaps in South Texas Colonias

U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat representing Texas’ 28th Congressional District, has joined forces with several lawmakers to introduce new federal legislation aimed at ensuring continued funding for colonia communities in South Texas. These communities, which include areas in Webb County, are facing challenges as population growth in cities like Laredo threatens their eligibility under current federal guidelines.

The bill, titled the Ensuring Continued Access to Funding for Colonias Act, was introduced by Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from San Antonio. Cuellar, along with five other co-sponsors — including Reps. Monica De La Cruz, Vicente Gonzalez, and Veronica Escobar — is working to address the growing needs of these underserved neighborhoods.

Understanding the Federal Housing Program

The proposed legislation seeks to increase the population cap that determines whether metro areas qualify for colonia-specific funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This federal initiative sets aside funds specifically for colonias in Texas and three other border states. These communities, often characterized by their lack of city oversight, frequently face infrastructure deficiencies such as limited access to clean water, sewer systems, and paved roads.

Colonias are predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods that have developed without formal municipal planning. Many of these areas still lack basic infrastructure, leaving residents to rely on alternative methods for daily necessities. For instance, in La Presa, a small colonia south of Laredo, residents depend on barrels, tanks, or bottled water due to the absence of piped water. While recent efforts have been made to improve conditions, such as the 2024 waterline project funded by the American Rescue Plan, these initiatives highlight the ongoing need for targeted support.

The Scope of Colonias in Webb County

According to state data, there are more than 60 colonias in Webb County alone. Some, like Rio Bravo and El Cenizo, incorporated as cities in 1989 but are still recognized as colonias due to their historical origins and lingering infrastructure gaps. These communities now receive utility services through the county, while others, such as La Presa, remain unincorporated and continue to rely on county assistance or regional partnerships for essential services.

Cuellar emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges, stating, “Colonias in South Texas continue to face serious infrastructure and housing challenges. This bipartisan effort ensures they aren’t left behind.”

Raising the Population Cap

Under current rules, the Colonia Set-Aside applies only to metro areas with fewer than 1 million residents. This threshold was established in 1990 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If the bill passes, it would raise this cap to 2 million residents, allowing more communities to qualify for critical funding.

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the Laredo metropolitan area — which includes all of Webb County — had a population of about 267,000, well below the current cap. While local colonia funding is not currently at risk, Cuellar framed the bill as a proactive measure to prevent future issues caused by outdated rules.

A Proactive Approach to Future Challenges

Cuellar highlighted the need to ensure that colonias can continue to access federal funding that supports clean water, sewer systems, and safe housing as cities like Laredo grow. He stressed that the legislation is designed to be a preventive solution rather than a reaction to a crisis.

The bill has been referred to the House Financial Services Committee, but it has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. Additionally, no companion bill has been introduced in the Senate, indicating that the legislative process is still in its early stages.

This bipartisan effort reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by colonia communities and the need for updated policies to support their long-term development and sustainability.