Court approves initial funding request to advance Eastern Laredo transportation study

Representatives of the Laredo Economic Coalition for Improved Highway Exchanges (LEHI) updated the court on recent outreach in Washington, D.C., and at state levels and asked commissioners to fund initial studies to finalize a route and an estimate for an Eastern Laredo optimized transportation corridor.

"We're looking to seek approval of about $750,000 to establish the formal route and the estimate of the project," Joe Gage told the court, adding that the funds would support environmental surveying, preliminary engineering and other initial clearing work needed before seeking grant matches and federal appropriations. Topsite Civil Group and other engineering vendors were introduced as part of the project team.

Commissioners discussed phasing the work — start initial studies and return for further authorization as work progresses — and voted to approve initial funding and phase 1 work. Staff noted the county will continue to coordinate with TxDOT and pursue available grant or match programs that favor projects with rail or trade components.

Next steps: administration to work with LEHI and engineering consultants to define phase 1 scope and return to the court with precise scope and budgeting for the next meeting.