Laredo, TX—Congressman Henry 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 Lake Casa Blanca, through Laredo, to the Rio Grande. 

This legislation passed the House and Senate and will now head to the President’s desk for his signature.

“Green spaces are an integral part of a happy, healthy city,” said Congressman Cuellar. “That’s why for the last 16 years, I have been working hard to secure full authorized funding of Chacon Creek Restoration Project. This project will help our community better withstand flooding as well as create new recreational and educational parklands, including biking and hiking trails, that our community will enjoy for future generations.

“As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure we receive the necessary funds to complete this important project so we can build a space that will create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for our community. I want to thank the City of Laredo, including Mayor Pete Saenz, City Manager Robert Eads, Assistant Manager Riazul Mia, Director of Environmental Services John Porter and City Council, for their efforts in highlighting the project’s importance for our community”

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 funding 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.


In the picture: Congressman Cuellar, City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, Assistant City Manager Riazul Mia, City of Laredo Director of Environmental Services John Porter and RGISC Board President Melissa Cigarroa.