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Athens city manager says 'Disadvantaged Community' designation could unlock millions for water, wastewater projects
Summary
City Manager Elizabeth Borstad told the Athens City Council the city's 'Disadvantaged Community' status makes it eligible for higher grant awards—potentially millions—from the Texas Water Development Board and is timely as the city begins reconstruction of its wastewater treatment plant; 1,600 residents responded to the survey used in the application.
City Manager Elizabeth Borstad told the Athens City Council on Oct. 13 that the city’s classification as a “Disadvantaged Community” could qualify Athens for millions of dollars in grant funding from the Texas Water Development Board to support water and wastewater improvements.
Borstad said the designation is especially important as the city begins reconstructing its wastewater treatment plant and that the city would likely qualify for higher grant amounts for the next five years. "It is critical for Athens to be classified as a 'Disadvantaged Community,' as it qualifies the city for millions of dollars, potentially for water and wastewater improvements," she said.
The designation process included public outreach; Borstad thanked the 1,600 residents who participated in the survey used in the application. City officials have not yet specified exact grant amounts or timetables for applications, and Borstad framed the status as making the city more competitive for state funding rather than guaranteeing awards.
Mayor Aaron Smith asked council to remove a consent‑agenda item for separate consideration during the meeting, and staff noted that the disadvantaged designation aligns with other capital planning work, including a newly created Streets and Drainage Capital Fund.
What happens next: City staff will proceed with grant‑funding strategies tied to the wastewater reconstruction project and other infrastructure priorities. No formal grant awards were announced at the meeting.
