SUBJECT
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An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas, authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY2025 Capital Grant Fund to appropriate revenues and expenses in the amount of $1,368,770.00 for the Texas Department of Transportation TASA (Transportation Alternative Set Aside) grant for City improvements to and construction of sidewalks, curb and gutter, cross-surface materials, pavement markings, lighting, landscaping and select utility relocation along Salinas Avenue between Iturbide Street and Water Street. The local match will be funded by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 (TIRZ No 1). Grant will be allocated in the Capital Grant Fund. Providing that this ordinance shall be cumulative; providing a severability clause; providing for publication; and declaring an effective date.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Goal 6.1 - “Improve access to safe and inclusive mobility options for all people.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.6)
Relevance: This infrastructure investment enhances safe pedestrian access downtown and supports inclusive mobility through upgraded sidewalks and lighting.
• Policy 6.1.1 - “Prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in Downtown, near schools, and in low-mobility neighborhoods.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.7)
Relevance: The improvements take place in the Downtown area and directly support pedestrian mobility, aligning with this policy's priority focus areas.
• Policy 6.1.4 - “Upgrade sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, lighting, signage, and other amenities in identified pedestrian districts.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.8)
Relevance: The project includes sidewalk upgrades, lighting, and markings, fulfilling this policy’s directive to invest in pedestrian infrastructure.
• Policy 8.4.1 - “Encourage public and private investment in Downtown improvements, including streetscape enhancements and infrastructure upgrades.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 8.17)
Relevance: This ordinance directly enables coordinated investment in Downtown Laredo infrastructure, a central focus of this economic development goal.
Summary of alignment:
This ordinance demonstrates strong alignment with multiple goals and policies in the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan. It directly supports the development of safe, accessible, and inclusive pedestrian infrastructure-a priority in the Downtown area per Goal 6.1 and Policy 6.1.1. The investment in sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and utility relocation fulfills directives under Policy 6.1.4 to modernize pedestrian facilities. Additionally, it advances Policy 8.4.1, which calls for public infrastructure investments to catalyze Downtown revitalization. By aligning with federal funding through TxDOT and leveraging local TIRZ funds, the project exemplifies a multi-tiered approach to strategic capital improvement. It intersects broader planning themes of mobility, sustainability, safety, and economic development, making this a model project for implementation under the Comprehensive Plan.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On April 22, 2025, City Council approved motion of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas, authorizing the City Manager to execute Agreement with the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board of Directors, (hereinafter "TIRZ No. I") relating to the design, development and implementation of the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) Downtown Safe Sidewalk Improvement Project for Salinas Avenue.
On March 17, 2025, City Council approved a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas, authorizing the City Manager or their designee to execute Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA) No. CSJ-0922-33-226 with the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount of $1,250,000.00 including federal participation in the amount of $1,000,000.00 and an estimated local participation in the amount of $47,500.00 including 100% of overruns for the city improvements to and construction of sidewalks, curb and gutter, cross-surface materials, pavement markings, lighting, landscaping and select utility relocation along Salinas Avenue between Iturbide Street and Water Street. In addition, an estimated direct state cost of $50,000.00 for general administration is included in the AFA No. CSJ-0922-33-226. The required local match is funded from the City of Laredo Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1.
BACKGROUND
The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 1 had submitted the application for Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) funding consideration for the Downtown Safe Sidewalk Improvements project through the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) FY 2022 TASA Call for Projects. The project was selected for funding by the MPO Policy Committee on February 15, 2023. The City of Laredo serves as the local government sponsor for the project. Matching funds will be allocated from the TIRZ No. 1 budget.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Approved by TIRZ No. 1 on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the approval of this resolution.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: 2024 A.C.O.
Account #: Click or tap here to enter text.
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Revenues:
State Capital Grant $1,271,270
Downtown Tirz #1 $97,500
Expenses:
Improvements OT Buildings $1,368,770