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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

City of Laredo celebrates 13 years helping Mexican citizens return home for holidays

Laredo, TX—For 13 years, the City of Laredo has hosted a Paisano Rest Stop to help Mexican citizens returning home from throughout the U.S. have a smoother experience as they head home for the holidays.  This unique bi-national project is offered only in Laredo, Texas.  The City of Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau works with the Mexican General Consulate to set-up the rest stop; however, there are many city, state and federal departments and agencies from both sides of the border who come together to help the paisanos.

The Paisano Rest Stop will be at IH-35 southbound, just off Mile Marker 13, beginning Friday, December 17, at 12 noon and closing at 12 noon on Sunday, December 19, 2010.  For 48 continuous hours, the rest stop has individuals who help review documents necessary for travelers, as well as any goods or vehicles they may be taking into Mexico. Information about bridge wait times is given, as well as directions, refreshments, restroom facilities and simply, an opportunity to rest and stretch their legs. 

Additional information given includes:

·         Hotel and restaurant listings;

·         U.S. Customs regulations for return trip;

·         Legitimate nationalization processing business listing;

·         Complaint and crime reporting procedures with Mexican Consulate and local agencies;

·         Volunteer mechanic on-call to do initial inspection, minor car repairs;

·         Mexican immigration regulations and forms;

·         Free copies.

All is done with a smile and in Spanish.

“Laredo welcomes paisanos,” said Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.  “We want their experience in Laredo to be positive, restful, and beneficial before they continue into Mexico.  We host the Paisano Rest Stop to help facilitate their crossing experience here because Laredo, Texas does appreciate the work these Mexican citizens are doing in the United States,” Salinas concluded.    

Motorists will see signage and hear radio messages posted from San Antonio on south.  Local, state and federal officials patrol the roadside on IH-35 South, to offer assistance to paisanos that need help, including security, traffic control, and road side assistance.  This year, the exit to the rest stop will be marked with extra signage and lights, especially for those traveling at night or who may not be familiar with the turn-off to the facility.  Motorists who have not stopped before are encouraged to do so before continuing on their journey. 

Paisanos returning to Mexico through Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas should take Bridge I to avoid traffic congestion along IH-35 at Bridge II.  Motorists exit Del Mar Exit #4 and will be on Santa Maria Avenue; follow Santa Maria south to Bridge I. 

However, for those motorists who do travel on Bridge II, portable restrooms will be located at key intersections along Santa Ursula, as well as approaching Bridge I.  Additionally, the Laredo Civic Center Auditorium lobby, located at 2400 San Bernardo, will also be open to the public during the days leading up to Christmas, for paisanos needing to stop for restroom breaks or for information purposes.  The hours of operation for the Civic Center will be:

Friday, December 17:  8 AM – 10 PM;

Saturday, December 18: 12 Noon – 10 PM;

Sunday, December 19: 12 Noon – 10 PM;

Monday, December 20: 8 AM – 8 PM;

Tuesday, December 21: 8 AM – 8 PM;

Wednesday, December 22:  8 AM – 8 PM. 

Finally, paisanos wishing to avoid congestion all together can take Colombia Bridge III into Nuevo Leon.  The extended holiday hours of operation for Bridge III will be: Saturday, December 18 through Monday, December 20, open 24 hours.  After that, it will go back to regular hours of operation.  For regular AVI motorists who cross daily, there will be a special designated crossing route for them to take to Bridge II, to avoid the downtown paisano and shopping traffic congestion.  AVI motorists should take San Eduardo south to Hidalgo, turn west on Hidalgo and then turn south again on Santa Ursula.  

 Local traffic should be aware of the additional holiday traffic in the upcoming days and exercise caution and patience when traveling in the downtown areas and around major retail centers.

 For more information about the Paisano Rest Stop, paisanos should call the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-361-3360 or visit www.paisano.gob.mx.