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TxDOT, Keep Laredo Beautiful present I‑35 beautification concept; funding limited to landscape elements
Summary
TxDOT and Keep Laredo Beautiful presented an early concept to landscape and add art/LED illumination along I‑35; presenters said the Governor's Community Achievement Award provides about $300,000 restricted to landscaping/irrigation and a district Green Ribbon grant of about $770,000 may supplement design, but long‑term maintenance and city contributions need agreement.
Keep Laredo Beautiful program manager Ruby Miranda and TxDOT design supervisor Hector Martinez presented concept renderings and funding details for a proposed I‑35 corridor beautification project between Victoria and Scott Street.
Miranda said Laredo won the Governor's Community Achievement Award, which includes a funding allocation to be used for a TxDOT beautification project. Martinez said the award provides roughly $300,000 restricted to landscaping and irrigation materials, and the TxDOT district has access to a Green Ribbon grant (~$770,000) that could be shared among district cities; both funding sources are limited to plant/irrigation items unless other local funds cover art or lighting. Martinez said the district is open to artist input, illumination and steel art installations if the city contributes to elements that fall outside the state grant rules.
Council members asked about timing and city match obligations; TxDOT said some funds apply to fiscal year planning and that certain construction or lighting elements would need local agreement for maintenance beyond an initial one‑year TxDOT maintenance commitment for the portion covered by the award. The presentation was informational; no action was taken, and staff said they would return with more detailed designs and maintenance proposals.
