Laredo, TX—Congressman Cuellar (TX-28) secured $51,973,000 in authorization funding for the Chacon Creek Restoration Project in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020. The Chacon Creek Restoration Project will focus on flood management, ecosystem restoration and recreational amenities from the Casa Blanca Lake, through Laredo, to the Rio Grande.  This legislation passed the House and will now head to the Senate.

“Green spaces are an integral part of a happy, healthy city,” said Congressman Cuellar. “That’s why for the last 14 years, I have worked in Congress to advocate for the full authorized funding of Laredo, Texas’ Chacon Creek Restoration Project. The Chacon Creek Restoration Project will generate hundreds of acres of new recreational and educational parklands, creating economic value for our community as well as improving health and environmental benefits for our citizens.

“As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure we receive the necessary funds for this project so we can build a space where our families gather, our children play, and our community spirit grows. I want to thank Chairman Pete DeFazio for his help bringing this project to fruition.”

The Chacon Creek Restoration Project

The Chacon Creek Restoration Project consists of two components: flood risk management and ecosystem restoration. The flood risk management component will consist of the permanent evacuation of 73 residential structures along Chacon Creek.  Upon completion of the proposed improvements, 250 homes will be elevated from the flood plain. The additional vacated flood risk management lands will be used for recreational amenities. The ecosystem restoration component will include 16.75 acres of wetland restoration and 401 acres of riparian restoration; this will accentuate green spaces and preserve the creek’s natural course and minimize impact on wildlife and wetlands.

Securing Millions for Chacon Creek

In the 2021 House Appropriations Committee passed spending bill, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $2.62 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers Construction account, which will contribute federal resources to projects like Chacon Creek. In 2006, Congressman Cuellar delivered $3.3 million directly to the Chacon Creek Hike and Bike Trail project, a component of the overall project plan. 

To see Congressman Cuellar speak on the House Floor in support of the funding for the Chacon Creek Restoration Project, click here.

To read Congressman Cuellar’s language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, click here.

To see a map of the proposed Chacon Creek Restoration Project, click here.