(a) The department shall establish colonia self-help centers in El Paso, Hidalgo, Nueces, Starr, and Webb Counties, and in Cameron County to serve Cameron and Willacy Counties. If the department determines it necessary and appropriate, the department may establish a self-help center in any other county if the county is designated as an economically distressed area under Chapter 17, Water Code, for purposes of eligibility to receive funds from the Texas Water Development Board.
(b) The department shall attempt to secure contributions, services, facilities, or operating support from the commissioners court of the county in which the self-help center is located to support the operation of the self-help center.