Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $3,799,996 in federal grant funding for the Zacate Creek Green District Corridor Project. The award was provided by the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnerships (ORLP) Program. Webb County and the City of Laredo will contribute a dollar-for-dollar local match of the ORLP Program award, bringing the total project amount to $7,599,992.

“Water is life, and Zacate Creek is no exception. The Zacate Creek Green District Corridor Project will help restore this natural geographical feature and provide a space for Laredoans to gather, connect, and enjoy the outdoors together,” said Dr. Cuellar. “I remain committed to preserving Laredo’s natural environment and enhancing our quality of life. Thank you to Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, the Webb County Commissioner’s Court, Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino, and the Laredo City Council for working with me to preserve the beauty and bounty of Zacate Creek for generations to come.”

This award will develop the 22-acre Zacate Creek Green District Corridor and provide various outdoor recreational facilities for Laredo residents, including:

·       New hiking and biking trails;

·       Shared use paths;

·       A new trailhead entrance;

·       Designated parking areas;

·       An open-air visitor center with restrooms; and,

·       Bike and kayak rental stations.

The ORLP Program is a nationally competitive grant program created to aid disadvantaged urban communities that lack access to close-by outdoor recreation. The Zacate Creek Green District Corridor Project was one of fourteen projects selected nationwide to receive funding through the ORLP Program.

Dr. Cuellar has long fought to preserve and restore Laredo’s natural environment. In the FY24 government funding bills, he secured $1,000,000 in Community Project Funding for the Zacate Creek Restoration Project. In FY23, Dr. Cuellar secured $2,000,000 in Community Project Funding for the Binational River Park Project, a joint effort between the Rio Grande International Study Center and the City of Laredo to restore a segment of the Rio Grande River.

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