Today Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) announced the opening of the second phase out of three of the Chacon Creek Hike and Bike trail system, which he made possible through a $3.3 million earmark in 2005. Joining him were Mayor Pete Saenz, City Manager Jesus Olivares, City of Laredo Council Members, City of Laredo Environmental Services Department and the Texas Department of Transportation. The second phase connects the Haynes Recreation Center to State Highway 359, contributing to an ever-growing network of trails across the city that beautify the city and provide recreation for its residents.

The goal of the Hike & Bike Trail project is to cover large portions of the city and eventually lead to Texas A&M International University.

In 2008, the City of Laredo partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation to bring the $3.3 million to Laredo for the Hike & Bike Trail system.

“Opening up this next phase of the Hike & Bike Trail system will revitalize the Chacon Creek area and harness the potential of one of Laredo’s greatest natural resources to provide enjoyment to Laredoans,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I have been working on this project since 2005, when I secured $3.3 million through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act. I thank the City of Laredo officials for their help in bringing this project to fruition as well as the Texas Department of Transportation for bringing these funds to Laredo for the Hike & Bike Trail project.”

“This project represents another important piece of the vision of the Chacon Creek Master Plan to turn it into a natural recreation area that will promote healthy activities as well as an effort to protect the environment,” said City Manager Jesus Olivares.

Phase I of the project, which connected Eastwood Park to the Haynes Community Center, was completed in August 2011. Phase 3 is currently under design and will ultimately connect Eastwood Park to Highway 59. The entire trail project is expected to be completed by late 2017.