SUBJECT
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $300,000.00 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) under the Recreational Trails Grant Program 2024 to provide bike and hike trail in Santa Fe Park located in District 2; further authorizing the City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary to implement the award of this grant. The grant will be accounted for in the Parks Capital Grant Fund and requires a match in the amount of $75,000.00, which is available in the Parkland Improvement Fund for District 2.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Council approved grant submission on January 22, 2024.
BACKGROUND
The Santa Fe Park has existed since 2003 and supports a high-density neighborhood. The parks lends itself to create a 10-foot wide, asphalt hike and bike trail of approximately 1 mile. The lighted trail would incorporate the detention pond portion of the park and is a large, beautiful open grassland area that has some existing grove of trees in the center. Already environmentally cleared, with rolling hill topography, it has some nice views and is very suitable as a leisure walking or biking trail. Ultimately, this trail would be able to connect to a larger trail system and lead to the river.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 7.6 - Expand access to parks, open space, and recreational opportunities
“Provide a system of parks, trails, and recreational facilities that promote physical activity, health, and quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.26 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Policy 7.6.2 - Expand and connect trail systems
“Develop and expand hike and bike trails to improve connectivity between neighborhoods, parks, and community destinations.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.26 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Goal 4.3 - Promote active transportation options
“Encourage walking and bicycling as viable modes of transportation and recreation through supportive infrastructure and facilities.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.14 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Policy 5.3.1 - Ensure equitable distribution of public facilities
“Provide public facilities and amenities in an equitable manner across all districts and neighborhoods.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 5.18 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Summary of alignment:
This agenda item demonstrates strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by advancing park infrastructure, active recreation, and equitable access to public amenities. Acceptance of the TPWD Recreational Trails Grant directly supports Goal 7.6 and Policy 7.6.2 by funding the construction of a hike and bike trail that enhances recreational opportunities and connectivity within Santa Fe Park.
The project also advances Goal 4.3 by promoting walking and bicycling as healthy, active transportation and recreational options. Locating the investment in District 2 and utilizing district-specific Parkland Improvement funds supports Policy 5.3.1, which emphasizes equitable distribution of public facilities across the city.
Overall, the grant acceptance and budget amendment reflect the Comprehensive Plan’s broader themes of public health, active living, mobility, equity, and strategic use of state funding, justifying a Strong level of alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: TPWD and Parkland
Account #: 457/268
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$300,000.00 grant will be accounted for in the Parks Capital Grants Fund with match in the amount of $75,000.00 from the Parkland Improvement Fund for District 2.
457-3161-324-2100 $300,000
457-3161-393-0268 $75,000
457-3161-555-9301 $375,000