FEDERAL RECOVERY ACT FUNDS TO TRANSFORM VACANT EL PASO PROPERTY TO ‘GREEN’ AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY
First ‘net-zero energy’ public housing community breaks ground in El Paso
December 10, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) released the following statement after today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new 73-unit Paisano Green Community. The $10.4 million project was made possible by an $8.25 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. El Paso was one of only 36 communities in the nation (and the only one in Texas) awarded with a competitive grant for the construction of ‘green’ affordable housing units. Congressman Reyes was scheduled to speak at today’s ceremony but was unable to attend due to ongoing votes in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The Paisano Green Community is a model project for the Recovery Act Green Communities Initiative. What was once a vacant property, in a city with a large demand for affordable housing, will soon become one of the most energy-efficient housing units in the United States. This investment will help alleviate the shortage of affordable housing in El Paso with the addition of 73 energy-efficient units. These units will not only help reduce our community’s energy and water consumption, but will also help families save money on utility costs. In addition, this project will help create jobs at a critical time.
“This is another significant investment in our community’s long term infrastructure made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. To date, over $650 million in federal Recovery Act funding has been invested in the El Paso community, and this landmark legislation continues to have a major impact on our community’s long term economic health.
“In October, I was pleased to join local and state officials in the groundbreaking for the new Americas Interchange connecting I-10 and Loop 375, where nearly $100 million in federal Recovery Act funding helped make the project possible. Other important construction projects made possible with Recovery funds are nearing completion, such as the Glory Road and Westside Sun Metro bus terminals, the new Warrior in Transition Complex at Fort Bliss, the Project Vida community health clinic expansion, a new fire station, and many more.
“I’m pleased to see the launch of another Recovery Act project in our community, and I look forward to the completion of the Paisano Green Community.”
For a presentation about the Paisano Green Community, click here.
Contact:
Vincent M. Perez 202-225-4831
