Vicente Gonzalez Announces $3.7 Million for South Texas Transit Projects

Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D) announced more than $3.7 million in state and federal funding for public transportation agencies across the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley, supporting rural transit and accessibility improvements for seniors and people with disabilities.

Millions Headed to South Texas

$3,728,016 in state and federal funding is heading to transportation agencies serving communities throughout the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley.

The funding is being delivered through the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Federal Transit Administration will support public transportation projects designed to improve mobility and accessibility across South Texas.

The investments include funding for rural transit services and programs designed to improve transportation access for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez: "Your ability to live, work, and travel with ease shouldn't be determined by your ZIP code."

He said the funding will help transit agencies provide residents with greater access to work, schools, health care, errands, and family.

Coastal Bend receives more than  $3.2 million.

The Coastal Bend will receive the majority of the funding, with $3,217,366 distributed among four transportation agencies.

The funding includes:

• Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living: $228,455
• Coastal Bend Council of Governments: $40,000
• Kleberg County Human Services: $286,000
• Rural Economic Assistance League, Inc.: $2,662,911

Rio Grande Valley gets more than $500,000

Transportation agencies serving the Rio Grande Valley will receive a combined $510,650.

The funding is divided among three organizations:

• City of South Padre Island: $289,000
• Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council: $40,000
• The Valley Association for Independent Living, Inc.: $181,650

Gonzalez said the investments are particularly important as South Texans face higher transportation costs.

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez: "As prices at the pump continue to spike from extreme cost-raising policies out of Washington, I am working to bring relief and resources to our communities that will move us forward."

The new funding is expected to strengthen transit operations and help residents across South Texas more easily reach jobs, schools, medical appointments, and other essential destinations.