VERONICA ESCOBAR

El Paso County Judge February 21, 2012 Mayor Madeleine Praino 436 E. Vinton Rd. Vinton, TX 79821 Honorable Mayor Madeleine Praino and Vinton City Council: The Village of Vinton has been struggling with the construction of its infrastructure since 1993. Since then, the financial status and climate of our nation has changed dramatically. It is up to each community to take advantage of any and all opportunities when it comes to the future, health and safety of its residents. The Texas Department of Health in 2003, issued notice indicating that a nuisance dangerous to the health and safety exists which is a violation of Chapter 341 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. In addition, this condition adds to the danger of groundwater contamination, which had also been found to contain high concentrations of TDS, Sulfate, Chloride and Fluoride in the areas water supply. As you are aware, El Paso County, through an order from Commissioners Court, declared the on-site septics in Vinton a nuisance in 2009. The El Paso County Attorneys Office is currently working on an order for state compliance that would eliminate the registration and/or repair of septic systems in three (3) years from the date of passage. Finally, one of your private water systems is currently in the enforcement process due to high levels of Arsenic in the water supply. If an alternate water supply is not identified, 46 homes may be left without domestic water. As you have been charged through your elected positions to promote the well being of your community, the construction of adequate infrastructure, mainly water and sewer, will invite economic growth and financial returns in the future for the Village. At this time, the Village has a tremendous opportunity to coordinate multiple funding agencies to offset nearly 80% of the cost of a wastewater system. I can express that recent county infrastructure projects have not done nearly as well and the repayment has been left to each user through their utility service billing. I would encourage each of you to consider the consequences of not moving forward at this time as state and federal funds continue to diminish. Refusing to accept the generosity of these agencies may set Vinton back another 10 to 15 years.
500 E. San Antonio, Suite 301, El Paso, TX 79901 Phone: 915-546-2098 Fax: 915-543-3888 countyjudge@epcounty.com www.epcounty.com

Page 2 February 21, 2012 RE: Village of Vinton Infrastructure As the County Judge, I support each of the infrastructure projects presented, knowing that that they will protect the health, improve the quality of life and provide economic returns for all residents in the county. I understand that this is a big step for the village; however I challenge each of you to unite behind the opportunities that have been presented for the sake of your residents. Sincerely, Veronica Escobar El Paso County Judge