SUBJECT
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A resolution of the City of Laredo authorizing the City Manager to approve and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Laredo, Texas (“City”) and the County of Webb (County) for cost-sharing of the local match requirement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) under the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) 2023 grant program. 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. The City will contribute up to $1,799,996.00 and the County will contribute up to $2,000,000.00. Funding for the City local match is available in the 2019 Certificate of Obligation issue, in-kind contributions of land, private donations, and land value.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Council approved 2026-R-63 on March 16, 2026 contingent upon verifying that reimbursement will be received from the County.
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 4.1 - Expand and enhance the parks and recreation system
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.xx - exact page not visible in provided excerpt)
“Expand and enhance the parks and recreation system to serve all residents.”
Relevance: The proposed MOU and grant funding directly support the expansion and enhancement of recreational infrastructure through new and improved trails along Zacate Creek.
Policy 4.1.2 - Develop hike and bike trails and linear parks
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.xx)
“Develop hike and bike trails and linear parks throughout the city.”
Relevance: The project explicitly includes the development of extended trails and improvements to existing trails, directly implementing this policy.
Policy 4.1.5 - Improve access to parks and recreational amenities
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.xx)
“Improve access to parks and recreational amenities for all residents.”
Relevance: The agenda item emphasizes improving recreational accessibility to surrounding neighborhoods, aligning directly with equitable access objectives.
Goal 7.2 - Reduce exposure to environmental risk factors
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.22)
“Reduce exposure to environmental risk factors.”
Relevance: Enhancing trails and embankments along Zacate Creek contributes to environmental improvements, including safer, more resilient public spaces and reduced erosion risks.
Policy 7.2.2 - Minimize VMT through increased walking, cycling, and transit usage
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.22)
“Minimize VMT through increased walking, cycling, and transit usage.”
Relevance: Expanding trail networks promotes active transportation options such as walking and cycling, supporting reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Summary of alignment:
The proposed resolution demonstrates strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by directly advancing multiple goals and policies related to parks, recreation, accessibility, and environmental quality. The investment in trail expansion and creek embankment improvements fulfills the Plan’s directive to “develop hike and bike trails and linear parks” and to “improve access to parks and recreational amenities for all residents.”
Additionally, the project supports broader planning themes, including public health (through increased opportunities for physical activity), equity (by improving access to underserved neighborhoods), environmental sustainability (through creek and embankment enhancements), and mobility (by encouraging non-vehicular transportation).
The intergovernmental cost-sharing partnership between the City and County further reinforces implementation capacity, aligning with the Plan’s emphasis on collaborative approaches to community infrastructure. Given the direct, verbatim alignment with multiple policies and goals, the Strong rating is justified.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval of item.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: FY 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Capital Grants
Account #: 458-3118-372-0000
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Webb County contribution for the amount of $2,000,000.00 will be available in Capital Grants Fund.