Search -
Colonia Housing and Infrastructure : Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Colonia Housing and Infrastructure Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Author:Jorge Chapa Volume 2 examines state, federal, and international programs which provide financing for new or improved water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure for the colonias in the Texas-Mexico border region. Much of the report focuses on the state programs, especially the Texas Water Development Board's Economic... more »ally Distressed Areas Program (EDAP) and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' Colonia Fund. The report identifies colonias which do not or will not have access to potable water and wastewater collection infrastructure even after the completion of the many projects currently underway. The study analyzes the methodology currently used by Texas to estimate colonia infrastructure needs, describing its strengths and shortcomings. It also examines the cost estimate for providing additional infrastructure for these colonias and makes recommendations for the legislature to consider when making appropriations decisions. The report recommends that the Texas Legislature consider (1) establishing statewide regulations that mandate utility provision of infrastructure prior to subdivision, platting and sale of individual home lots, (2) amending the EDAP legislation to allow individual colonias to make independent applications for infrastructure funding, and (3) appropriating additional EDAP funding for colonias with unmet needs.« less