Congressman Joaquin Castro recently submitted requests to the House Appropriations Committee for federal funding for community-based projects in Texas’s 20th Congressional District. Up to 20 projects could be funded for Fiscal Year 2027, though the Appropriations Committee guidelines indicate that only a select few will ultimately receive funding.
Project Funding Requests
The requests cover a wide range of initiatives, totaling millions of dollars. Congressman Castro has certified that neither he, his spouse, nor his immediate family have any financial interest in the proposed projects. More information about the funding request process is available here.
Our Lady of the Lake University is requesting $1,000,000 for research equipment to support faculty and student research on the West Side of San Antonio. A certification letter regarding this request is available here.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has requested $1,350,000 to establish a Water Innovation and Sustainability Hub focused on Electrodialysis Reversal technology for water treatment. The related financial disclosure can be found here.
St. Mary’s University is seeking $2,000,000 to enhance research capacity in areas including Additive Manufacturing, AI, Biomechanics and Biosciences. A certification letter is available here.
Texas A&M University-San Antonio requested $850,000 for STEM to Space Summer Academies, designed to engage students in NASA-related STEM professions. The certification letter is available here.
The City of San Antonio is requesting $4,232,792 for improvements to low-water crossings at Judson and Lookout Roads to reduce flooding. The financial disclosure is available here.
The San Antonio Water System is requesting $3,000,000 for the “Plumber to People / Laterals to People” project, aimed at assisting low-income homeowners with plumbing repairs. The certification letter is available here.
Bexar County has requested $5,393,550 for renovations to Rodriguez Park, including improvements to athletic fields and community spaces. The financial disclosure is available here.
El Centro del Barrio dba CentroMed is requesting $508,643 to renovate a building for a new family clinic offering Family Medicine, Pediatric, and Behavioral Health services. The certification letter is available here.
The City of San Antonio is requesting $1,000,000 for the San Antonio Food Bank’s Center for Food Sustainability, a facility focused on food literacy and sustainable food production. The financial disclosure is available here.
The City of San Antonio is also requesting $200,000 to renovate an office building for NALCAB in the Historic Market Square. The financial disclosure is available here.
Palo Alto College is requesting $2,500,000 to renovate the Palomino Center into the PAC School of Business. The financial disclosure is available here.
Palo Alto College is also requesting $2,160,000 to construct a new baseball field and athletic complex. The financial disclosure is available here.
The County of Bexar is requesting $600,000 to renovate a building into an Adult Learning and Empowerment Hub. The financial disclosure is available here.
The City of Leon Valley is requesting $2,000,000 to expand the Leon Valley Public Library for workforce training and digital access. The financial disclosure is available here.
City Public Service Board of San Antonio (CPS Energy) is requesting $3,000,000 for a Community Resiliency Initiative to enhance energy efficiency and emergency resilience at community centers. The certification letter is available here.
The City of San Antonio is requesting $1,000,000 to construct a new facility for Corazón Ministries, which serves individuals experiencing homelessness. The financial disclosure is available here.
City of San Antonio Westside Development Corporation (dba Prosper West) is requesting $1,500,000 to rehabilitate a small business center on San Antonio’s Westside. The financial disclosure is available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Project Funding?
Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. We see separate from federal grants and funding apportioned by formula.
How many projects could be funded?
Under the guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each representative could request funding for up to 20 projects, although only a few may actually be funded.
Has Congressman Castro disclosed any potential conflicts of interest?
Congressman Castro has certified that he, his spouse, and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects he has requested.
How might these funding requests impact the 20th Congressional District of Texas if approved?
