Congressman Vicente Gonzalez announced $510,650 in state and federal funding to improve public transportation across the Rio Grande Valley.

The Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration are delivering the funds. It will support public transportation projects in South Texas, including improving transit in rural areas and improving access for seniors and people with disabilities.

"Your ability to live, work and travel with ease shouldn't be determined by your ZIP code," Rep. Gonzalez said. "These new investments will strengthen transit operations for South Texans of all ages and ensure that everyone, regardless of neighborhood, can efficiently go to work or school, visit a doctor, run errands and connect with family and friends."

Three agencies in the Valley are set to receive a portion of the funding.

The city of South Padre Island will receive $289,000, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council will receive $40,000 and the Valley Association for Independent Living, Inc. will receive $181,650.