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 $34,561,597.00, 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 World Trade Bridge for the purpose of improving transportation infrastructure. The required match will be $9,561,597.00, available in the Future Bridge System Revenue Bonds for $8,561,597.00 and $1,000,000.00 in general fund. 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 critical trade and transportation infrastructure improvements at the World Trade Bridge, a cornerstone of Laredo’s international commerce network. The application for BUILD funding directly supports Policy 6.2.1, which calls for enhancing the efficiency and capacity of international bridges and trade corridors.
The initiative also advances Goal 4.1 and Policy 4.2.3 by improving freight mobility and reducing congestion along key transportation corridors, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the City’s proactive pursuit of federal funding fulfills Policy 6.2.3, reinforcing strategic leveraging of external resources to implement major infrastructure projects.
Overall, the agenda item aligns with broader planning themes of economic development, freight mobility, binational competitiveness, infrastructure resilience, 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:
None at the time of the time of application.