U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) announced Tuesday the Laredo area would get more than $1.6 billion in transportation funding.
The funds will be authorized through the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2023 Unified Transportation Program – the state’s 10-year transportation project guide. The funding will cover the development or construction of 16 highway projects in Laredo over the next 10 years.
“In 2015, the Laredo area received $350 million in transportation funding for the 10-year planning period. Now, Laredo is receiving nearly five times that amount for transportation investments throughout the next 10 years—a historic investment for our area,” Cuellar, senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said. “This investment reflects how much Laredo has grown and the potential it has to continue to do so.”
Officials said that part of the funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law contributes to the $1.25 billion increase in funding over the 215 UTP. Projects include improvements to IH-35, US 59, SH 359, SL 20, and Vallecillo Road.
“Finally, TXDOT and others see the great infrastructure needs and the corresponding value that Port Laredo generates and contributes to our state and national economies,” Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz said. “I am delighted to have TXDOT as our big partner in planning and developing Laredo’s road infrastructure future.”
Of Texas’ 25 transportation districts, Laredo has the fifth-highest funding level in 2023, officials said.