CHIPS: A New Way to Monitor Colonias Along the United States-Mexico Border
Author: Parcher, Jean W.
Date Published: 2007
Colonias, which are unincorportaed border settlements in the United States, have emerged in rural areas without the governance and services normally provided by local government. Colonia residents live in poverty and lack adequate health care, potable water, and sanitation systems. These conditions create substantial health risks for colonias and surrounding communities. Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Offices of the Texas Attorney General, Secretary of State, and the Texas Water Development Board has allowed the U.S. Geological Survey (GIS) to improve colonia Georgraphic Information Survey (USGS) boundaries and develop the Colonia Health, Infrastructure, and Platting Status tool (CHIPS). For example, a congressman could use CHIPS to list colonias with wastewater issues in a specific county, whereas a health researcher could list all colonias without clinical access.
Date Published: 2007
Colonias, which are unincorportaed border settlements in the United States, have emerged in rural areas without the governance and services normally provided by local government. Colonia residents live in poverty and lack adequate health care, potable water, and sanitation systems. These conditions create substantial health risks for colonias and surrounding communities. Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Offices of the Texas Attorney General, Secretary of State, and the Texas Water Development Board has allowed the U.S. Geological Survey (GIS) to improve colonia Georgraphic Information Survey (USGS) boundaries and develop the Colonia Health, Infrastructure, and Platting Status tool (CHIPS). For example, a congressman could use CHIPS to list colonias with wastewater issues in a specific county, whereas a health researcher could list all colonias without clinical access.
