Mike Garza

LAREDO - The Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District officially marked the start of the Cuatro Vientos (State Loop 20 extension) construction project today with a groundbreaking ceremony amidst U.S.-state and local elected officials and special guests.The Cuatro Vientos project, otherwise known as the State Loop 20 extension project, will be constructed by J. C. Evans Construction Company, L..P. of Leander, Texas at a cost of $33.8 million. Funding for this project includes $31.5 million in Economic Stimulus (ARRA) funding with the remainder coming from Coordinated Border Infrastructure funds allocated for use in Webb County.

“Cuatro Vientos road is a landmark project and of great mobility benefit for the citizens of Laredo, Webb County and the state of Texas. The roadway once completed will provide a much needed relief route to US 83 in south Laredo.” said Albert Quintanilla, P.E., Laredo District Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation.

The new roadway will consist of a new seven-mile, four lane roadway that will extend from State Highway 359 near the State Loop 20 intersection, South to Cielito Lindo, and a two-lane portion from Cielito Lindo to Mangana-Hein Road.

In approximately two years, another construction phase estimated at $10.5 million, will ultimately expand the remaining two-lane southern portion of Cuatro Vientos to a four lane roadway as well as tie-in key road thoroughfares into Cuatro Vientos Road. A sooner construction phase, estimated at $25 million, will construct an overpass at the Loop 20/State Highway 359 intersection is scheduled for letting (bid opening) in May 2010. The present estimated cost for the construction of the entire
Cuatro Vientos project is $69.3 million.

This project represents a significant investment of U. S. economic stimulus funds, Texas mobility Proposition 14 funds, federal Coordinated Border Infrastructure funds allocated to Webb County and federal economic stimulus funds allocated to the Laredo Metropolitan Planning Organization.

A projected increase in population to over 400,000 in 2020, and a projected increase in traffic in vehicles per day up to 79 percent by the year 2023 on US 83, and the US 83 at Mangana-Hein Road and Loop 20 at State Highway 359 intersections, were other reasons for the need of this project.

This project will provide a positive socio-economic impact for the residents of Laredo and south Laredo to include La Presa Colonia residents. It will improve access for and to the surrounding area, and improve traffic flow and circulation by enhancing the connections to the existing street and road system. The city and county were strong partners in developing and maintaining the funding for this project during the recent budget cutbacks.

Praiseful quotes from elected officials follow:

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The Honorable Henry Cuellar, U.S. Representative for District 28

“I am glad that construction on this much needed project is now underway. This is a tremendous asset to the thousands of motorists who frequent this road,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “This project is an indication that the stimulus funds are working. This project will create many jobs and help stimulate the local economy.”

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The Honorable Judith Zaffirini, Ph.D, Texas Senate, District 21

“I am delighted that the Cuatro Vientos project is becoming a reality,”Senator Zaffirini said.. “Many of us fought hard to secure the funding for this project, which will alleviate congestion in South Laredo. I
appreciate the leadership of local leaders and the support of TxDOT officials and of my colleagues, especially of Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Senator John Carona, Chair of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee.”

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The Honorable Richard P. Raymond, Texas House of Representatives, District 42

“After many years of hard work and planning Cuatro Vientos will finally be built. As Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations committee I strongly supported this because I believe it’s good for Laredo and Texas,” said State Representative Richard P. Raymond.

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The Honorable Ryan Guillen, Texas House of Representatives, District 31

“The Cuatro Vientos project was my number one priority for South Laredo. Working side by side with leaders from Webb County and the City of Laredo, this project will spur future growth and development,” said State Representative Ryan Guillen.     

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The Honorable Danny Valdez, Webb County Judge

“This project is a testament to the leadership of our community. Our congressman, state legislators and county and city leaders were united from the onset when we asked TxDOT to place this project on a priority list of needed projects statewide. It’s about being a team. I thank city and county staff for helping us make this project a reality.”

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The Honorable Raul G. Salinas, Mayor of the City of Laredo

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the amazing things that happen when our elected officials work together for the good of the community, a project that will not only help the residents of South Laredo who have been waiting for this project to alleviate their traffic woes, but also the entire community who will benefit from the economic impact and other benefits of this project. The wait is almost over!” said Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.

“This interchange will mean so much for the people who live, work, shop, go to school, travel and play along U..S. Highway 83; I am glad that TX DOT listened to and understood the incredible need to build this interchange.  By working closely with TX DOT, we were able to impress upon them how much our community needed this project, how much we needed those stimulus funds.  And today, together we stand, breaking ground on this incredible project,”

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The Honorable Mike Garza, City of Laredo Councilmember, District I

“The single most important commitment that the people of South Laredo needed was better mobility,” said Council Member Mike Garza, District I, in whose district the Cuatro Vientos project lies.  ”It was with all of us working together and having this singular purpose that we are all standing here today, proud of all the work that was done to make this day a reality. Thanks to the stimulus funding, it is in the darkness of an economic downturn that we have this opportunity for the light to shine
for the future Laredo,” he concluded.