Officials Receive $5 Million in Federal Funds
Jim Hogg County officials received some $5.2 million in federal funding in early February for the construction of a 48-bed jail in Hebbronville. The funding package includes $3,949,000 in federal grant funding and $1,317,000 in a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Assistance Funds Program. Congressman Henry Cuellar and USDA Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin joined Jim Hogg County officials to announce the funding partnership to the public.
The new county jail, some 20,613 square feet in size, will serve Jim Hogg’s population of 5,000-plus. Currently, the county jail and law enforcement offices are located in an older bank building which is over capacity and poses security issues. With these federal funds, the new facility will ensure adequate security and facility resources for local law enforcement.
“This USDA grant is one of the most significant given to Jim Hogg County for the construction of the jail facility,” said Jim Hogg County Judge Guadalupe “Lupe” Canales. “In this time, when financial difficulties are being experienced, the jail grant is a most welcome government gesture for our taxpayers.”
"USDA Rural Development is pleased to provide funding to Jim Hogg County to build a new detention and law enforcement center. We realize how important this project is to the county and the law enforcement officials who protect the citizens who live and work in the area," said Paco Valentin, USDA rural development state director.
In July 2008, Hurricane Dolly caused severe local flooding and extensive storm damage throughout South Texas. The combined federal grant and loan funds were made available through USDA’s disaster assistance program.
"Nine years ago, one of my top priorities as sheriff was to move toward the construction of a new sheriff's department and jail,” said Jim Hogg County Sheriff Erasmo “Kiko” Alarcon. “The beginning of that goal begins today."