Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from DHR. 

The Texas House and Senate approved more than $16 million in direct funding for projects in Starr and Hidalgo County last month, according to a Monday news release from the Office of State Rep. Alex Dominguez (D-Brownsville).

$16,700,000 in funding was provided in the final version of Senate Bill 8, which appropriated more than $13 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

"This $16 million investment is just a piece of a more than $13 billion investment in Texas, but it is a critical step towards ensuring the Rio Grande Valley has the healthcare infrastructure we need to defeat COVID-19 and keep our communities healthy for decades to come," Dominguez said in the news release. "I am proud to have worked with DHR and my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance Committee to secure this important funding and resolve the errors in the initial Senate version. These funds are critical especially for Starr County, which is oftentimes overlooked."

DHR spokesperson Marcy Martinez says Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. was instrumental in securing the investments for the region. 

Read DHR's entire statement below: 

“DHR Health applauds the hard work of Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and the entire RGV state legislative delegation for their dedication to and advocacy on behalf of the region. In the recently ended 3rd special session of the 87th Legislature, Senate Bill 8 appropriated $16.7 Million for critical laboratory infrastructure in the Rio Grande Valley, including funding for upgrades in Hidalgo County and the establishment of new laboratory infrastructure in Starr County. The funding secured will provide vital resources to better prepare the Rio Grande Valley for COVID-19 and any future public health emergencies. Senator Lucio Jr. was instrumental in securing these investments for our region. Without Senator Lucio including the original language in the bill, or without his advocacy to the conference committee, no such investments would have been possible.”