Rep. Cuellar Announces Over $51.9 million in Future Funding for the Chacon Creek Restoration Project
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Feb 4, 2020, 0 Comments
Courtesy Charlotte Laracy,
Project will focus on flood risk management, ecosystem restoration and recreational amenities
Laredo, TX—Congressman Cuellar announced over $51.9 million in future funding for the Chacon Creek Restoration Project. The project will focus on flood management, ecosystem restoration and recreational amenities for Chacon Creek. Congressman Cuellar was able to deliver $3.3 million directly to the Chacon Creek Hike and Bike Trail project.
“Green spaces like Chacon Creek are an integral part of a happy, healthy city,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The Chacon Creek Restoration Project will generate hundreds of acres of new recreational and educational parklands, creating economic value for our community as well as improving health and environmental benefits for our citizens. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for the necessary funds for this project so we can build a space where our families gather, our children play, and our community spirit grows. I want to thank the City of Laredo, including Mayor Pete Saenz and City Council members, for their dedication to working to bring this project to fruition.”
The Chacon Creek Restoration Project consists of two components: flood risk management and ecosystem restoration. The flood risk management component will consist of the permanent evacuation of 73 residential structures along Chacon Creek. Upon completion of the proposed improvements, 250 homes will be elevated from the flood plain. The additional vacated flood risk management lands will be used for recreational amenities. The ecosystem restoration component will include 16.75 acres of wetland restoration and 401 acres of riparian restoration; this will accentuate green spaces and preserve the creek’s natural course and minimize impact on wildlife and wetlands.
Once authorized, the Chacon Creek Restoration Project will be eligible for funding from the Army Corps of Engineers Construction account. In the final spending bill, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $2.681 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers Construction account, a $498 million increase from FY19. As a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, the Congressman will ensure that proper funding is provided for the Chacon Creek project, once authorized.
