SUBJECT
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A resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas ratifying and authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application in the amount of $46,600,000.00, which $25,000,000.00 are from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the FY 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program to support Colombia Solidarity Bridge for the purpose of improving transportation infrastructure. The required match will be $21,600,000.00, available in the future Bridge System Revenue Bonds for $20,600,000.00, Federal Funds for $800,000.00, and State Funds for $200,000.00. This notice of funding opportunity is on a reimbursement basis.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
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BACKGROUND
On December 15, 2025 the U.S. Department of Transportation released a grant opportunity under the FY 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program. This cycle will fund project that will have a significant local or regional impact and improve transportation infrastructure.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
☑ Strong ⬜ Moderate ⬜ Weak/None
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 6.2 - Support economic competitiveness and regional collaboration
“Enhance infrastructure and partnerships that strengthen Laredo’s role within the regional and binational economy.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.8 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Policy 6.2.1 - Strengthen international trade infrastructure
“Support infrastructure improvements that enhance the efficiency and capacity of international bridges, ports of entry, and trade corridors.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.9 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Goal 4.1 - Improve multimodal transportation and mobility
“Provide a safe, efficient, and integrated transportation system that supports economic development and quality of life.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.3 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Policy 4.2.3 - Improve freight mobility and reduce congestion
“Coordinate infrastructure investments that improve freight movement and reduce congestion on key corridors.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.10 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Policy 6.2.3 - Pursue external funding for economic and infrastructure projects
“Aggressively pursue state, federal, and regional funding opportunities to support economic development and infrastructure improvements.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.10 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Summary of alignment:
This resolution demonstrates strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by advancing strategic infrastructure improvements at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge, a key component of Laredo’s international trade network. The proposed BUILD grant application directly supports Policy 6.2.1, which prioritizes improvements to international bridges and trade corridors to enhance efficiency and capacity.
The initiative further advances Goal 4.1 and Policy 4.2.3 by promoting safe, efficient freight mobility and reducing congestion impacts associated with international commerce. Additionally, the City’s pursuit of significant federal funding reflects implementation of Policy 6.2.3, reinforcing proactive leveraging of external resources to deliver large-scale infrastructure investments.
Overall, the agenda item aligns with broader planning themes of economic development, freight mobility, binational trade competitiveness, infrastructure modernization, and intergovernmental coordination, thereby justifying a Strong level of alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this item.
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Fiscal Impact
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Budgeted Y/N?: Click or tap here to enter text.
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Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: Click or tap here to enter text.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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