CAA Getting Big Funds
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Jul 15, 2012 at 10:54 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 1, 2013
It wasn't too long ago that the FBI and the state came down hard on Webb County's CAA for misuse of funds.
One year after correcting problems from within, the agency is getting ready to reinstate a program intended to help out the community.
Webb County officials are announcing grant money is on its way once again for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, and its some big funds.
County Commissioners say they expected $1.2 million in award money, but are looking to get almost $2 million instead.
This after CAA ran into some controversy a while back, when an investigation showed fraudulent acts, with employees allegedly granting assistance to ineligible people relating to a westernization program.
Commissioner Jaime Canales says it took a plan of checks and balances at CAA.
“I’m very confident we have taken proper measures to make sure this doesn’t happen again. A testament to the hard work we have in that office. Things that were in place are now in place and that’s the only reason the state decided to give us this money back. This is money from the community that needs to be given to the people that really need it, low- income people. The determination of ineligible was critical to the state returning these funds that are really going to be so beneficial for the community,” says Canales.
The comprehensive energy assistance program helps out the low income with electricity bills.
Canales says they will start taking applications this Tuesday, July17.
