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Laredo, TX – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and the City of Laredo announced $247,100 in funding for the new Vietnam Veterans Trail and Plaza. The project will consist of the construction of an approximately 1,400 foot-long, 10-foot-wide walking trail adjacent to the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library. This development will honor all the brave men and women who fought for our country during the Vietnam War.

The $247,100 in federal funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This fiscal year, Laredo will be receiving $3,228,384 in federal grant funding for community development projects.

“As a nation, we are eternally indebted to those who have put on a uniform and fought for our freedom. This plaza is just a small token of appreciation for the many sacrifices made by our brave servicemembers in Vietnam,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal funding is just a small portion of what Laredo has received - and will continue receiving - for community development projects. I look forward to seeing other developments that will continue to beautify our city while simultaneously providing recreational space to help improve the quality of life for the residents of Laredo. I want to thank the City of Laredo and Councilman Ruben Gutierrez for prioritizing this project that will honor our Veterans. And to all our Veterans, thank you for your service!”

“We are very happy to be able to bring this beautiful plaza to our veterans,” said Laredo City Councilman Ruben Gutierrez, Jr. “The people that have lost their lives to honor them and the veterans still living. This will be an educational plaza along with entertainment for our families. We are so appreciative for the funding to be able to provide this plaza for our Veterans.”

Congressman Cuellar has been a strong supporter of Veterans. He recently secured $2,685,392,000 for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) Homeless Assistance program, and $183,287,000 to provide Veteran’s assistance for substance use disorders (SUD). Last year, the Congressman helped pass the Honoring our PACT Act and the STRONG Veterans Act – the largest expansion of benefits and care services in VA history.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $5.6 billion in funding will go to 1,200 communities through more than 2,400 grants to states, urban counties, insular areas, Washington, DC; Puerto Rico and local organizations across the country. These annual formula grants provide critical funding for a wide range of activities including affordable housing, community development and homeless assistance. For more information about HUD or its programs, click here. 

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State. Sign up to receive Congressman Cuellar’s E-mail Newsletters

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Por favor tomen en cuenta el congresista Cuellar habla inglés y español con fluidez.