WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Henry Cuellar today announced that the City of Laredo has received $3,024,000 in federal funds to help promote energy conservation and alternative fuel programs.

Specifically, the City will receive $2.1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. It will use the money for alternative energy retrofits at publicly owned buildings (solar), and LED lighting retrofits and trash compactors in downtown Laredo, to name a few projects.

The City will use the other $924,000 to upgrade its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling station by adding a larger tank, two dispenser units, and one dryer tower. The city will also purchase a CNG refuse hauler, a street sweeper, and vacuum truck. With a matching of $430,000, a total of $1.354 million will be invested in the second project. Funds for the CNP project are a direct result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Congress passed earlier this year and the money will be administered by the Texas Comptroller’s State Energy Conservation Office as part of the Transportation Efficiency Program.

“This announcement is an investment in alternative energy, so we can become leaders in alternative fuels and become a vital part of a global conscience, which balances our energy demands with the resources we have on hand. I thank Texas Comptroller Susan Combs for watching out after our area and funneling these funds our way” said Congressman Cuellar. “In today’s challenging economy, these funds will also create new jobs and provide a major boost to the local economy.”

“I commend Laredo’s initiative in seeking Alternative Fuels Project grant funding,” Comptroller Susan Combs said. “City leaders have made a commitment to improving the area’s air quality. Now that the city has been selected for more than $900,000 in grants, it can lead by example as it expands its alternative fuel infrastructure, which will help reduce emissions from its vehicle fleet.”

“The City of Laredo continues to reap the benefits of the hard work of its employees and elected officials who are always looking for grants and funds that improve the community’s quality of life, while helping to save taxpayer dollars,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas. “This grant will help us do both.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.