Congressman Henry Cuellar Announces $50,000 For Rio Grande Basin Study

[Press Release from Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo), TX-CD-28]
Congressman Henry Cuellar announced today a $50,000 earmark for the Rio Grande Basin Study. The funding for this project will be used to study the areas water resource related problems, needs, and opportunities. The Rio Grande Basin is located in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas; the study area would be centered in Laredo. The study would address issues ranging from water conveyance and delivery, ecosystem degradation, to flooding.

“We are particularly excited about the Rio Grande River Basin Chacon Creek Feasibility study allocation, that will further our proposed project to improve the watershed and create a much needed green space for recreational and ecology education purposes,” stated Laredo City Manager Larry Dovalina.   “We go to Washington, D.C. because the benefits of a project cannot be fully realized on paper and when a grant applicant like the City of Laredo appears before any one of our congressional leaders and the agency itself, they get to hear firsthand the benefits of the project.  This message goes a long way to getting funding for our community’s enhancement.”

Congressman Cuellar noted “The Rio Grande River is a precious natural resource, and I am proud to be able to bring resources to protect the river and the surrounding environment. I will continue to work hard to generate real results and bring federal funds to where they are needed the most.”

“This added appropriation was a long time coming, because we have been working this project for over two years.  I am happy that Congress has helped us progress.  The money is vital to the completion of the protection of the water shed, it furthers the goals of our green space ordinance and is an important step towards providing more access to Chacon Creek.  I believe that this in turn helps our community take more ownership and want to protect their natural resources,” stated Laredo Mayor Betty Flores.