SUBJECT
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Public Hearing & Introductory Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the FY 2025-2026 Capital Grants Fund Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the total of $5,799,996.00, consisting of $3,799,996.00 in grant funding from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) under the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) 2023 Grant Program and a required 1:1 Non-Federal Match of $3,799,996.00. Matching funds will be derived from $2,000,000.00 Webb County Match in a three-year payment commitment. The City Local Match of $1,800,000.00 from the 2019 Certificate of Obligation Issue has already been appropriated. Grant funds will improve existing trails and embankments along Zacate Creek, as well the development of newly extended trails, and improve recreational accessibility to surrounding neighborhoods.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Council approved 2026-R-63 on March 16, 2026.
BACKGROUND
In 2022, council approved the creation of the Laredo Binational River Park Working Group under Resolution No. 2022-R-107. Collaboration has been ongoing since January 2022 between local stakeholders to identify potential funding sources to develop approximately 6.2 river miles along the Rio Grande known as the Binational River Conservation Project. The presented grant opportunity has been identified as a potential funding mechanism for Project Uno - the restoration of the Zacate Creek Watershed.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
☑ Strong ⬜ Moderate ⬜ Weak/None
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 8.1 - Promote Active Recreation and Trail Connectivity (Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 8.12)
“Develop and maintain pedestrian and bicycle trails to improve connectivity, recreational access, and healthy lifestyle opportunities for all residents.”
Relevance: The agenda item allocates funds to improve existing trails and develop newly extended trails along Zacate Creek, directly advancing the goal of enhancing trail connectivity and promoting active recreation.
Policy 8.2.3 - Enhance Neighborhood Access to Parks and Recreation Facilities (Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 8.14)
“Ensure that all neighborhoods have safe and convenient access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities.”
Relevance: The project’s focus on improving recreational access to surrounding neighborhoods supports equitable access, fulfilling this policy.
Policy 8.2.5 - Leverage Grant Funding for Recreational Development (Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 8.15)
“Pursue state, federal, and private funding opportunities to develop and enhance parks, trails, and recreational infrastructure.”
Relevance: The use of TPWD grant funding, combined with a 1:1 non-federal match from bonds, in-kind contributions, private donations, and county funds, exemplifies leveraging external resources for local recreational development.
Summary of alignment:
This agenda item strongly aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan’s goals and policies related to recreational infrastructure, trail connectivity, and neighborhood accessibility. The planned improvements along Zacate Creek directly support Goal 8.1 by enhancing active recreation opportunities. Policy 8.2.3 is fulfilled by providing safer and more accessible recreational spaces to nearby neighborhoods, while Policy 8.2.5 is exemplified through the strategic use of grant and matching funds.
The initiative also intersects with broader planning themes such as public health (promoting active lifestyles), equity (improving neighborhood access), sustainability (enhancing trails and green spaces), and community engagement (involving local donations and partnerships).
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: FY 2025 - 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: TPWD / 2019 CO / WEBB COUNTY
Account #: 458-3118
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Grant would be accounted in the Capital Grants Fund.