In The News
LAREDO MORNING TIMES: New phase of Chacon Creek Hike & Bike Trail completed
Laredo ,
February 18, 2016
Tags:
Appropriations
New phase of Chacon Creek Hike & Bike Trail completed The vision of an 8-mile-long hiking and biking trail in Laredo is now only one step away from completion. Today Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, announced the opening of the second phase of the Chacon Creek Hike and Bike trail system, which he made possible through a $3.3 million earmark in 2005. Phase II 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. “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,” Cuellar said. The third and final phase of the project is currently under design and is expected to be completed by late 2017. It will ultimately connect Eastwood Park to Highway 59. Joining Cuellar at the ribbon-cutting 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. “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. 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. “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,” Cuellar said. Phase I of the project, which connected Eastwood Park to the Haynes Community Center, was completed in August 2011. The ultimate goal of the Hike & Bike Trail project is to cover large portions of the city and eventually lead to Texas A&M International University. |