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Laredo, TX – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $1,000,000 in Congressionally directed funding for the Zacate Creek Restoration Project. The funds will be used to enhance a section of Zacate Creek to create a new fishing area, reconstruct a retaining wall, restore the Zacate stream, landscape, irrigate, and clear invasive species.

Zacate Creek serves as a source of irrigation for agriculture, a habitat for numerous species of plants and animals, and a recreational haven for Laredo residents. The Zacate Creek Restoration Project will preserve the waterway by creating sustainable habitats, especially for local rare and endangered species.

“Water is life, and Zacate Creek is no exception. I secured this Congressionally directed funding to restore Zacate Creek and protect this important source of water for the Laredo ecosystem,” said Dr. Cuellar, a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The Zacate Creek Restoration Project ensures Laredoans will continue to enjoy this natural geographical feature. Thank you to Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino, Laredo District 3 City Councilwoman Melissa Cigarroa, and City of Laredo Director of Environmental Services John Porter for working with me to preserve the beauty and bounty of Zacate Creek for generations to come.”

“I applaud Dr. Cuellar for these much-needed resources,” said Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino. “I have always been a proponent of protecting areas in our community that are culturally, historically, or environmentally important areas. It highlights who we are as a people and teaches our future generations that we are proud of where we live.”

Dr. Cuellar is committed to preserving the South Texas environment. He previously secured $2,000,000 in Congressionally directed funding for the Binational River Park Project, a joint effort between the Rio Grande International Study Center and the City of Laredo to restore a segment of the Rio Grande River.

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