ALTON, TEXAS -- Congressman Henry Cuellar announced Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the city of Alton $20,000.

The money will help continue training of colonia residents on environmental health issues.

Specifically, the funds will be used to educate residents on solid waste disposal, clean water protection, disease prevention and environmental protection.

Partnering with the Texas A&M University Colonias Program, the city of Alton will train promotoras, a group of women who will educate residents in socio-economically distressed areas on how best to take care of their water and wastewater systems.

"As the city of Alton grows, it is imperative that we continue to invest in its residents and help improve their quality of life," said Congressman Cuellar.  "I congratulate Mayor Vela and those who have worked hard to bring these important funds to Alton, and I look forward to working together with them in the future."

More than 6,000 residents in approximately 25 colonias in Alton are expected to receive training as part of the EPA grant, said Alton City Manager Jorge Arcaute.

"The good thing about the grant money and this program is that they will create a blueprint for the promotoras to continue their outreach to our colonia residents even after this grant money runs out," said Mayor Salvador Vela.

The EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Program awards community-based organizations with funding for projects in low-income communities on environmental and public health issues.