Congressman Henry Cuellar announced today a $2 million grant for the City of Laredo. The grant comes from the Federal Aviation Administration and will be used to assist residents who live in certain areas near the Laredo International Airport with noise mitigation.

Specifically, the federal funds will be used to continue with the implementation of airport noise mitigation efforts. This is a voluntary program where property owners get to choose from participating in one of three options: the first option is to allow the City of Laredo to purchase their property, the second is to have their home insulated in exchange for an avigation easement, and the third is for the property owner to sell the city an avigation easement. Approximately 200 residents, most of them living in City Council District II, will be eligible to participate.

This is the 10th Noise Mitigation grant that the City of Laredo receives since this project started getting funded in 1998. Within the last 10 years, the Federal Aviation Administration has provided the City of Laredo more than $31 million, with the City having invested $2.5 million.

“I am always pleased when the federal government makes a concerted effort to help improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Congressman Cuellar. “It is imperative that our citizens are able to live a nice and peaceful life, and one way of doing so is helping eliminate the loud noise caused by large aircrafts.”

“I can not thank Congressman Cuellar enough for always looking out after our citizens,” said Mayor Raul G. Salinas. “The money being awarded today is a result of our great working relationship with Congressman Cuellar and with federal agencies in Washington, DC. Officials in Washington know and understand our needs.”

For information on federal grants, contact Congressman Cuellar’s Office at 202-225-1640. To learn more about Congressman Cuellar, log on to www.cuellar.house.gov

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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