(a) In this section, “colonia” means a geographic area that consists of 11 or more dwellings located in close proximity to each other in an area that may be described as a community or neighborhood and that:
(1) has a majority population composed of individuals and families of low income, as defined by Section 2306.004, Government Code, and based on the federal Office of Management and Budget poverty index, and meets the qualifications of an economically distressed area under Section 17.921, Water Code; or
(2) has the physical and economic characteristics of a colonia, as determined by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
(b) A county may provide assistance for the removal from private property, including a road, of flood water resulting from a natural disaster in a colonia if the removal of the water is necessary to protect the health and safety of the colonia.