Fifth St. Water and Sewer

Fifth St. Water and Sewer is one of many Success Stories that have been locally nominated for recognition in celebration of CDBG's 30th Anniversary.

Success Story Details

Success Story Description

In September 1984 the Texas Department of Health conducted a survey collection of wastewater discharged into drainage ditches in the Fifth Street Area. All twenty of the samples showed fecal coliform organisms present. The presence of coliform bacteria proved that raw sewerage of human origin had been discharged into the neighboring drainage system and created a potential health hazard to the two hundred-fifty (250) households in the area.

To address this problem, in 1985, Fort Bend County applied to the State of Texas (Department of Commerce) for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $500,000 to construct a water and sewer system. A $400,000 grant was awarded. The program was funded by three grants totaling $1mil. by the State and grant funds from a foundation totaling $275,000. When Fort Bend County became an entitlement community in 1992 CDBG funding continued. The construction was completed in 1998 with a $1,030,000 Section 108 Loan Guarantee.

The completion of the water and sewer system allowed for the following:

• Construction of a $1.6 mil community center and a separate building for a Head Start Program in the Fifth Street Area;
  
  
• Connection of approximately 250 houses to the water and sewer system;
  
  
• Location of senior citizen lunch and recreational program;
  
  
• Expansion of a summer lunch program and recreational activities;
  
  
• Re-paving all public roads and adding curbing;
  
  
• Drainage and recreation improvements along Stafford Run Creek; and
  
  
• Collaboration with the Fort Bend Economic Development Council to attract new housing and businesses to the area.