EL PASO- State Representative Dee Margo, House District #78, aided the Village of Vinton in obtaining a TCEQ decertification from a private CCN holder last week. The decertification opens the way for El Paso County to move forward on the planned northwest County Annex.

The annex will provide county services and meeting areas to a greatly underserved area of the county. In a collaborative effort, Vinton's proposed $4 million multi-purpose center will offer public programs such as health, citizenship and recreation. The communities affected include Vinton, Anthony and northwest El Paso, as well as the unincorporated communities of Westway and Canutillo.

Mayor Madeleine Praino of Vinton stated, “The success of these projects is a combined effort of many individuals who have been working for and with the city council for many months. We appreciate Representative Margo’s diligent effort on our behalf in this final step to ensure that the decertification was processed timely.”

"Vinton is a growing community and I'm happy to assist them in their efforts; I believe that is why I was elected. I will continue to work hard for the people of Vinton, District 78 and all of El Paso," said Representative Margo.

Had the TCEQ decertification not been obtained by April 1st, the county intended to pull the annex project, jeopardizing a combined $1.3 million in total direct funds, as well as indirect funds affecting park renovations, economic development and other community development initiatives.