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Starr County Lose CDBG Funding for Next 2 Years

6 years 8 months 1 week ago Friday, July 14 2017 Jul 14, 2017 July 14, 2017 9:50 PM July 14, 2017 in News

RIO GRANDE CITY – Starr County Judge Eloy Vera received a letter recently stating the county wouldn't be able to apply for Community Development Block Grant funding for the next two years. 

"So for the next couple of years, for us to do paving is going to be almost impossible," said Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. 

The county audit wasn't completed before the June 30 deadline. An audit is necessary for grant applications.

The previous county auditor's contract wasn't renewed in May. Interim auditor Boyd Carter then took office. 

The auditor's office applied for grant extensions in wake of missing the deadline. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was the first to officially report back with their decision on CDBG. More granting agencies will soon contact Starr County with their decisions. 

CHANNEL 5 NEWS attempted to contact Carter more than 24 hours ago for more details on why the audit wasn't completed on time. We are still awaiting the county auditor's response. 

CDBG funds drainage and pavement projects, in addition to the services of the Self Help Center. Self Help loans tools to Starr County residents, provides a clothing closet, and even has a ready to move in home for families in desperate need after a disaster. 

Jose Diaz lives in La Casita and uses the tool loan program. He's hopeful the county will find a way to fund the Self Help Center. 

"The people will feel bad if they don't get the help," said Diaz. 

CHANNEL 5 NEWS will keep you updated as agencies report their grant extension decisions to Starr County. 

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