Millions to improve Texas colonias go unspent

An Associated Press story on the $78 million is being picked up by online news outlets across the country, from USA Today; to local outlets in Dallas, Las Cruces, and Midland; to Arianna Huffington's website. There's nothing like a little national attention to start fires burning.

Petronila Creek Cleanup

After residents had been asking for years, Petronila Creek is being cleaned up. The May 10 post talked about the concerns residents had about the area. It has been reported that the prison contractor, LCS Corrections Services, will "clean the major blockages" to prevent any additional flooding that may be caused by water run-off from the 1,100-bed prison. As reported on Channel 3 KIII TV, while happy about the efforts currently underway, the residents are still concerned about whether the cleanup will be enough. Here's an additional report by KRISTV Channel 6.

$78 Million of Colonias Wastewater Grant Unspent

A federal has audit sharply criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s handling of a $300 million grant towards the Colonias Wastewater Treatment Assistance Program, designed to provide sewer service for thousands of people living in border colonias. It was recently discovered that since the last of the grant money was awarded in 1999, nearly $78 million has remained unspent due to "numerous difficulties". The Star-Telegraph article can be read here. With a 2010 deadline for the grant, each delay reduces the purchasing power of the grant's money and delays needed public health improvements.

A copy of the EPA Inspector General's audit can be read here.

What is a "colonia"?

According to the Texas government's Office of Colonia Initiatives, a colonia is "defined as an unincorporated community located within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, or a city or town within said 150 mile region with a population of less than 10,000 according to the latest U.S. Census, that has a majority population composed of individuals and families of low and very low income, who lack safe, sanitary and sound housing, together with basic services such as potable water, adequate sewage systems, drainage, streets and utilities." You can read a few more definitions here and the federal definition here.

...and just found the "definition" page on the the Texas Secretary of State's website. It lists all the definitions of "colonia" based on the state agency.