LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Noraida Negron,

LAREDO, Texas – The City of Laredo today announced during a Press Conference a proposed riverfront design recommendation for the downtown area following months of ongoing discussions and coordination with federal partners, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with the office of Congressman Henry Cuellar.

The newly presented renderings, developed and provided by federal authorities, reflect a significant shift in design approach, as they do not include a bollard-style border wall in the downtown riverfront area. City officials emphasized that these concepts were submitted by the federal government as part of continued engagement efforts and not developed by the City of Laredo.

“This is one of six sensitive areas that have been under discussion with Homeland Security for some time,” said Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño. “What has been achieved comes from months of consistent engagement and coordination. These most recent proposed renderings for the downtown area do not include a bollard wall, reflecting what our community has been asking for from the beginning, solutions that balance security with practicality, and enforcement with respect for the people and environment that define our region.”

Mayor Dr. Treviño highlighted several key outcomes resulting from the City’s ongoing negotiations with federal partners, including:

• Collaboration on the World Trade Bridge and Colombia Solidarity Bridge expansions, helping avoid potential costs that could have reached millions of dollars for the removal and reconstruction of border wall infrastructure.
• Preservation of the Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course, which will not be divided by a wall structure as originally proposed.
• Protection of critical infrastructure, including the City’s wastewater treatment plants, which will not be impacted by previously proposed alignments.
• The absence of a bollard wall in the newly proposed downtown riverfront renderings.

“This movement away from a bollard wall in our downtown area reflects the importance of staying at the table and working toward solutions,” Mayor Dr. Treviño added. “As long as the City of Laredo has a seat at the table, we will continue to negotiate in good faith, remain engaged, and advocate for the best interests of our community.”

City Manager Joseph Neeb emphasized the importance of maintaining a steady and professional approach throughout the process.

“The City of Laredo has maintained a professional and constructive working relationship with U.S. Customs and Border Protection throughout this entire process,” said City Manager Neeb. “Our approach has been consistent, stay engaged, stay informed, and protect our community.”

Mr. Neeb noted that federal partners have demonstrated a willingness to consider context-sensitive solutions tailored to Laredo’s unique needs.

“That flexibility is essential in a city like Laredo, where trade, infrastructure, and quality of life are closely connected,” Neeb said. “We are actively reviewing information as it becomes available and continuing to work in coordination with our federal partners. This allows the City to properly evaluate potential impacts related to flood risk, infrastructure, and our neighborhoods and businesses.” He added, “Our role is not to rush to a conclusion, it is to do the work necessary to get it right.”

City officials reiterated that the renderings presented today represent the latest federal proposal and are part of an ongoing process. The City of Laredo will continue to review and engage with federal partners to ensure that all outcomes reflect the needs and priorities of the community.