LYFORD, USDA Rural Development State Director, Paco Valentin, presented ceremonial checks totaling $7.4 million to Willacy County Monday. USDA Rural Development awarded funding to The City of Lyford for $4 million through a Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant, while Willacy Co-op was presented $3.4 million in funding through a Business & Cooperative program loan.

"We are pleased to assist the City of Lyford and the Willacy Co-op. This funding presentation represents the diversity of assistance USDA Rural Development can provide a community to increase the quality of life for residents and businesses in rural Texas," said Valentin.

"The money awarded to the City of Lyford today will be put to good use as we work to fully recuperate from Hurricane Dolly's aftermath," U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz said. "The city is in much need of a water pump station, and the $4 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help with the continued improvement efforts."

In July 2008, Hurricane Dolly produced substantial rainfall throughout parts of South Texas causing extensive damage. Funding awarded to the City of Lyford will be used to finance improvements to water systems damaged during the hurricane. The city plans to construct a raw water pump station, a new high service pump station, sludge lagoons, a finished water transfer pump station and elevated storage tank, as well as other improvements to the water system. The city of Lyford serves a population of 1,989 through 820 water connections.

Willacy Co-op was awarded a Business & Cooperative Programs loan to purchase the assets of the Sebastian Cotton Gin, Cotton Warehouse and Grain Elevator. Willacy Co-op has opted to purchase the cotton gin, warehouse and elevator to expand its current operations into additional markets previously unavailable to them. The funding will also allow the Willacy Co-op to retain 45 jobs, a significant number for an area experiencing a higher unemployment rate than state levels.

Businesses in rural communities with less than 50,000 people can use the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan funds to purchase land, buildings, equipment or supplies. The maximum amount of funds that can be offered is $25 million. Public entities, Indian tribes, and non profit corporations in rural areas with populations less than 10,000 may qualify for a Water and Waster Disposal Grant or Loan to build, repair or improve public water systems.