Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, today announced $200,000 he helped secure for the Laredo Little Theatre. The funds come from the 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act.

The money will be used to purchase and replace outdated electronic equipment, such as the light board and electrical wiring and audio equipment. It will also assist with the replacement of worn auditorium seating and to construct a prop and costume storage facility.

“These funds will support and allow the performing arts here in Laredo to keep growing,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “Our families deserve the opportunity to continue learning and one way of doing so is by promoting the arts. We must do everything within our reach to ensure that our young ones – and young at heart – have access to these types of programs.”

“We are very appreciative of this grant; it will help us to better serve the community by allowing us to upgrade the technical aspect of the theatre, as well as affording us the opportunity to save money by storing props and costumes for future use,” said Jose Guevara, President of the Laredo Little Theatre. “It will also help us provide new seating and much needed additional parking for our patrons who come from all over our community to participate in and enjoy our productions.”

Congressman Cuellar added, “A lot of the theatre’s success has to do with the quality of performers who have walked through these doors and who will continue to walk through these doors. This money will play a big role in improving the aesthetics of the theatre, while at the same time providing the actors with a quality facility."