By: Xochitl Mora

       Congressman Henry Cuellar announced the awarding of $5 million in HUD entitlement funds for the City of Laredo Community Development Department.  These funds are used to improve the infrastructure, safety, appearance and even, the spirit of Laredo neighborhoods that the City of Laredo cannot otherwise afford to invest in.

      Over the past years, these funds have been used to repair sidewalks, construct pedestrian bridges and build parks. The money has been used to buy equipment for firefighters and build police substations.  It is used to provide down payment assistance to low to moderate-income families.  The money is given to agencies in our community who service the homeless.  In other words, HUD entitlement funds are important to Laredo because they have touched and improved the Laredo community and they are still needed in the community.