Flooding in Colonias directly threatens the structural integrity of homes and severely impacts the health and safety of residents. The stagnant water left behind after floods becomes a perfect environment for harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold to thrive. Additionally, the overflow from septic tanks during these flood events contaminates the water, further increasing the risk of serious health issues among the community members.
Esquina Colonia is situated in Cameron County, the southernmost county in Texas, with its county seat in Brownsville. It is close to other small communities like Lourdes Street Colonia and East Fresnos Colonia, and not far from the larger towns of Los Fresnos and Indian Lake. Established in 1980 and fully subdivided by 1994, Esquina Colonia has faced frequent flooding due to a lack of drainage infrastructure. The existing roadside ditches and driveway culverts are often clogged with overgrown grass and sediment.
In recent years, Cameron County, La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), and Communities Unlimited (CU) have held community meetings with residents to discuss flooding issues in the subdivision.
CU organized a meeting to introduce the USDA Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) grant for funding a preliminary engineering and environmental report, and to expedite a grant for installing a proper drainage system.
Garcia hosted the meeting, and USDA Area Director Roel Gomez attended to discuss the application process. Cameron County welcomed Polonius to discuss plans for addressing drainage issues and providing sewer collection services once flooding issues are resolved. Installing a proper sewer system will also eliminate the use of failing and damaged septic tanks.
Cameron County secured USDA SEARCH grant funds, and the project engineer completed reports estimating the drainage improvements would cost $1.6 million.
Victor Trevino, Lillie Blanchard, and Garcia from Cameron County are applying for an EPA Community Change Grant. This grant will help fund drainage improvements, the first sewer service collection, and water line replacement to provide the community with fire hydrants and better water capacity.
The EPA Grant requires a partnership with a non-profit. Polonius from CU agreed to participate. Together with Cameron County and LUPE, they have formed a successful plan to help Colonia residents.
Securing the necessary funding through grants like the USDA SEARCH and the upcoming EPA Community Change Grant is a critical step in bringing these plans to fruition. The dedicated efforts of individuals and partnerships with organizations like CU demonstrate a strong commitment to making lasting, positive changes in these vulnerable communities.
“Raúl González has been a crucial asset to our community even before our formal relationship with Communities Unlimited,” said Raul Garcia, Community Services Department Director at Cameron County.
“His involvement and the high-quality information he provides have been instrumental in our grant applications, leading to successful projects in drainage improvements, water line upgrades, and sewer replacements in Colonias.”
"Communities Unlimited offers us vital support in securing grants like the EPA grant we're currently working on. Their partnership is indispensable in addressing the needs of our economically distressed county."
This article was crafted by Raul Gonzalez, the South Texas Regional Coordinator on our Environmental Team. Communities Unlimited Environmental Services Team is compromised of many years of service in water and wastewater. We are the southern affiliate of RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Partnership). We provide managerial, technical, and financial assistance to Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
