Considering the extensive research and effort required to fulfill the assessments and grant-related tasks, stakeholders have deemed it necessary to extend the contract period until September 30, 2027. This extension will afford the vendor ample time to conduct thorough and meticulous gathering of the requisite information essential for the completion of need planning and assessment services for both El Paso and Presidio Counties.
Presidio County has applied for the CFP Program, wherein El Paso County is a collaborative partner. El Paso County, in agreement with Presidio County's application, will engage a third-party service provider to carry out specific planning and needs assessment activities. These activities aim to evaluate and identify the needs associated with colonias within the region of Presidio County. Presidio County, acting as an agent and fiduciary for El Paso County, commits to ensuring that planning and needs assessment services are delivered to each colonia community within El Paso County in a just and impartial manner, consistent with services provided to all partner counties in the region.
Recognizing that the initiatives of the CFP Program will significantly benefit the residents of El Paso County, it has been determined that it is fitting and in the best interests of El Paso County to collaborate with Presidio County in its application for funding under the TxCDBG program.
Responsibilities of El Paso County
• Execute interlocal agreements with the Presidio County.
- This agreement acknowledges the colonia planning grant and authorizes Presidio County to conduct grant activities within the Partnering County’s jurisdiction; and
• Participate with the planning services provider in conducting the needs assessment.
- Provide access to county records such a plat, existing planning documents,
- Discuss any known colonia needs or priorities, and
- Review and acknowledge the results of the planning effort.
Grant Background.
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has made available the Colonia Fund: Planning & Needs Assessment (CFP) Program, to provide U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds through the Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) program to identify the specific needs of colonia communities in Texas. A colonia is any identifiable unincorporated community that is within 150 miles of the border between the United States and Mexico; is determined to be a colonia on the basis of objective criteria, including lack of potable water supply, lack of adequate sewage systems, and lack of decent, safe, and sanitary housing; and was in existence as a colonia before the date of the enactment of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (November 28, 1990).
Under the terms of CFP grant, El Paso County is entitled to receive planning and needs assessment services for colonia communities located within its geographic boundaries. Services will be provided by a third-party service provider with which Presidio County will contract for services.