Rural Development: Problems and Progress of Colonia Subdivisions Near Mexico Border

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed information on nine counties in the four states bordering Mexico, focusing on the: (1) number, location, and water and sewer problems of colonias, generally characterized as unincorporated subdivisions featuring substandard housing, inadequate roads and drainage, and substandard water and sewer facilities; (2) state and local efforts to address water and sewer problems; and (3) state and local efforts to control further development of colonias.