Envision a true river walk next to the most widely recognized international boundary on the southern U.S. border. This is a vision that has long been held by the City of Laredo’s past and present administrations. Federal funding is currently being sought to fund the development of riverfront trails and natural recreation areas.

The City has acquired hundreds of acres of riverbank along the U.S. side of the Rio Grande, and is still continuing with this initiative. These green spaces in the river Vega have trails and serve as coveted spots to see such natural treasures as the White Collared Seed Eater, a rare bird, while offering added recreational and educational benefits to all visitors. Eventually, all the creek and riverside lands will be connected through a system of trails and parks along each of the waterways. This will provide the city a much-needed area for access to the river. It will also help to establish Laredo as an ecological tourist hot-spot, a unique boost to the local economy that few other communities can assert. Reclaiming areas for indigenous vegetation by eradicating invasive species of plants and trees such as salt cedars and river cane can offer great assistance is maintaining an ecological balance along the River Vega and creek corridors.

The City of Laredo is currently working with a professional consulting firm to develop a detailed study of the project, Its feasibility, and cost estimates for improvements, design and additional acquisition, possibly divided into several phases. The City will continue to pursue different avenues for funding, including sources such as the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protective Agency, National Park Service, and Community Development Block Grants. Additionally, there may be a potential partnership with the Corp of Engineers who is currently working on a GI study of the riverfront areas, in an effort to develop a trail system along the river for increased access and visibility as part of Homeland Security concerns. The City of Laredo continues to look into funding prospects that can provide future benefits and greater recreational opportunities to the citizens.

Cost estimates for a project of this magnitude will be studied in more detail; however, conservative estimates have been determined to reach approximately $36 million.

To fully realize the potential of the project, the City of Laredo needs federal funds to reestablish some of the neglected parks along the creeks of the City and construct a series of nature trails along the project’s greenways. $36 million is being sought to develop the vision that our city leaders have to restore our natural riverfront resource and develop an attractive and scenic natural river walk area with nature trails and recreational sites for residents and visitors to enjoy all the while restoring an ecological treasure.

• Environmental Protection Agency
• National Park Service
• U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of Housing and Urban Development
• U.S. Department of Transportation
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department