Construction site for upgrades to Laredo's water infrastructure.
Laredo has secured $20 million in federal funding for critical upgrades to its water infrastructure through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The funding aims to enhance the reliability and safety of the city’s water supply system, enabling the replacement of outdated systems and improving overall community services. Ongoing collaboration among city officials and stakeholders aims to transparently implement necessary upgrades while addressing known issues, such as over 200 illegal or faulty water connections across the city.
Laredo has successfully secured $20 million in federal funding to enhance its water infrastructure, a crucial step towards ensuring residents have access to reliable and safe water. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Program, following efforts spearheaded by local U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar.
The initial coordination meeting took place recently in Laredo, featuring key stakeholders essential for the project’s development. Participants included U.S. ACE Project Manager Tony Mendiola and Design Manager Alicia Gregory, along with city officials such as Assistant City Manager Ramon Chavez and Utilities Director Tareq Al-Zabet. This collaborative gathering aimed to identify and implement vital water infrastructure upgrades across the city.
Future meetings are set to continue defining procedures and specific areas of construction to facilitate the project. The city’s leadership remains dedicated to modernizing the water system by replacing outdated infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the community significantly. It’s essential to note that this new project is distinct from the ongoing water line replacement initiative that began on June 16, 2024, targeting an additional $11.3 million investment in restoring 30,110 feet of pipes throughout various districts of Laredo.
The federal funds are connected to resources allocated for disaster response efforts, particularly following the Hurricane Helene declaration. The funding announcement was made by Cuellar in December 2024, facilitating the environmental infrastructure enhancements. The role of the USACE is crucial in managing federal projects that include water supply systems and other civil engineering works.
The Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Program focuses on supporting the design and construction of water-related infrastructure. With this multi-year funding plan, the city anticipates $3 million in FY25, $250,000 in FY26, and $16.75 million in FY27. This structured approach ensures that the project proceeds effectively, addressing the community’s pressing water needs.
In tandem, the city’s approved water line replacement project aims to enhance the reliability of Laredo’s water system. Utilizing trenchless pipe bursting technology, the project is expected to significantly minimize service disruptions while saving $5.1 million compared to traditional excavation methods. This innovative technique is particularly beneficial for replacing vulnerable cast iron pipes that are prone to leaks and failures, ensuring a more robust infrastructure.
The first phase of the water line replacement project is slated to occur between June and September 2025, concentrating on areas with a high frequency of breaks. The specific districts targeted for replacement encompass various streets:
This initiative is also expected to address more than 200 illegal or faulty water connections identified in earlier investigations, further promoting safe and dependable water access for Laredo residents.
As the city embarks on this essential infrastructure improvement project, leadership encourages community pride and engagement. Regular updates will be provided to keep all residents informed about the project’s progress, ensuring transparency and assurance as Laredo moves forward in enhancing its vital water systems.
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