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Local nonprofit proposes connector between US‑59 and SH‑359; MPO to consider support for studies and letters
Summary
The Laredo Economic Coalition for Improved Highways (Lecce) presented a proposal for a secondary connector between US‑59 and SH‑359 to improve interconnectivity for East Laredo, asked the MPO for letters of support and initial study funding, and received a committee agreement to add the topic to the MPO board agenda for further consideration.
James Gonzalez, representing the Laredo Economic Coalition for Improved Highways (Lecce), presented a proposal for a new connector route between US‑59 and SH‑359 intended to improve interconnectivity in east Laredo, provide an eastern truck route and reduce congestion on existing corridors.
Proposal summary: Lecce described an alignment that would run east of the city and said the route follows an earlier TxDOT alignment that reportedly has a 400‑foot right‑of‑way available in places. Gonzalez said the alignment could create a grid system for East Laredo that improves evacuation routes, emergency response and access to growth areas; Lecce asked the MPO and member agencies for letters of support and for help funding right‑of‑way, topographic and environmental studies to make the project “shovel‑ready” for federal funding opportunities.
Community concerns and context: Committee members and staff noted past public opposition to a larger loop alignment through the same general area (concerns about impacts to churches, schools and neighborhoods were raised during prior public involvement). Gonzalez said Lecce is proposing a narrower, phased route, not the larger six‑lane loop that had drawn opposition in earlier studies, and that some property owners in the alignment area are amenable to further study though multiple private owners exist.
Committee response: Committee members and staff suggested study and coordination with county, RMA and TxDOT, and discussed the MPO/RMA role in a call‑for‑projects process. The MPO board agreed to place the Lecce project on the MPO board agenda at its next meeting and to consider whether to provide letters of support so Lecce can pursue federal funding and preliminary studies.
Why it matters: The connector would affect mobility for freight and local traffic and could shape where future growth occurs; right‑of‑way, ownership and community impacts are unresolved and would require detailed studies and public engagement.
Attribution: James Gonzalez represented Lecce. MPO and county commissioners, consultants and staff participated in the discussion and suggested next steps.
