LaredoBuzz.Com

Cuatro Vientos contractor selected – elected officials elated

LAREDO – The Texas Department of Transportation opened bids for the multi-million dollar Cuatro Vientos (State Loop 20 extension) construction project for South Laredo yesterday afternoon.

Preliminary data notes that J. C. Evans Construction Company, L.P. of Leander, Texas has submitted the low bid at a cost of $33.8 million. The low amount was a welcome decrease from the projected $59 million construction estimate on this project. Funding for this project includes $31.5 million in Economic Stimulus (ARRA) funding with the remainder coming from Coordinated Border Infrastructure funds allocated for use in Webb County.

The Cuatro Vientos project includes the construction of a new seven mile roadway that extends from State Highway 359 near the State Loop 20 intersection, South to Mangana-Hein Road. The roadway when completed will provide a much needed relief route to US 83 in south Laredo.

Prior to the contractor physically starting work on the project, there are several procedures such as awarding and executing of the contract that are required. The target start work date on this contract is scheduled for the month of October 2009.

A second phase of this project to construct an overpass at the Cuatro Vientos/SH 359 intersection is scheduled for letting (bid opening) in May 2010. The current projected cost estimate for the second phase is approximately $24.5 million.

The Honorable Henry Cuellar, U.S. Representative for District 28

“I am glad that construction on this much needed project will get underway soon. This will be a tremendous asset to the thousands of motorist who will frequent this road, said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “The awarding of this bid is an indication that the stimulus funds are working. This project will create many jobs and help stimulate the local economy.”

The Honorable Judith Zaffirini, Ph.D, Texas Senate, District 21

“I am delighted that the Cuatro Vientos project will be built by the J. C. Evans Construction Company,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Many of us fought hard to secure the funding for this project, which will alleviate congestion in South Laredo. I appreciate the leadership of local leaders and the support of TxDOT officials and of my colleagues, especially Senator John Carona, Chair of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee.”

The Honorable Richard P. Raymond, Texas House of Representatives, District 42

“After many years of hard work and planning Cuatro Vientos will finally be built. As Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations committee I strongly supported this because I believe it’s good for Laredo and Texas,” said State Representative Richard P. Raymond.

The Honorable Ryan Guillen, Texas House of Representatives, District 31

“The Cuatro Vientos project was my number one priority for South Laredo. Working side by side with leaders from Webb County and the City of Laredo, this project will spur future growth and development,” said State Representative Ryan Guillen.

The Honorable Danny Valdez, Webb County Judge

“This project is a testament to the leadership of our community. Our congressman, state legislators and county and city leaders were united from the onset when we asked TxDOT to place this project on a priority list of needed projects statewide. It’s about being a team. I thank city and county staff for helping us make this project a reality.”

The Honorable Raul G. Salinas, Mayor of the City of Laredo

“The realization of the Cuatro Vientos project would not be a reality if it were not for the strong partnership between the City of Laredo and our state elected officials: Senator Zaffirini, Representative Raymond and Representative Guillen, along with the amazing leadership of Congressman Cuellar, who all joined with the City of Laredo to voice their support for this project,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.  “In fact, I, along with my colleagues on council, including Council
Members Belmares, Garcia, Garza and Narvaez, were in Austin with City Manager Carlos Villarreal, advocating on behalf of the City of Laredo with various state agencies and elected officials.  It was true teamwork that brought the funding down for this project.”

“I am so happy for the residents of South Laredo who have been waiting for this project to help alleviate their traffic woes; the wait is almost over!” he stated.

The Honorable Mike Garza, City of Laredo Councilmember, District I

“I am very excited and happy that the Cuatro Vientos project is finally going to be a reality,” said Mayor Pro Tempore Mike Garza, District I, in whose district the project will ultimately impact the most.    “Initially, I am certainly very pleased that the contract bids came in less than the original amount that was budgeted for the project.  This means that we are getting more product for our money, enhancing the project now, before it even begins, such as extending the four lanes to
Mangana Road, instead of stopping at Cielito Lindo and all of the improvements at the major intersections that were originally left out of the project.” 

He continued, “Of course, I’m happiest about the tremendous and positive impact this project is going to have locally.  From the amount of people from Laredo who will be working on the project for over a year, to the contractors who will be coming into our community, staying at our hotels and eating at our restaurants, and most importantly, to the suppliers in our community who will be providing the raw materials, tools and equipment and all things that go into a construction project of
this magnitude, the Cuatro Vientos project will be an economic godsend for Laredo.”

“Finally, of course, the most important benefit that I am so excited to see is the relief it will give to the people who live and have to struggle with the congestion along the Highway 83 South corridor.  Cuatro Vientos will relieve the traffic and congestion that thousands of people deal with on a daily basis.  The promises we made to them are going to come to fruition,” he concluded happily.