On December 21, 2023, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), declared a significant development for the City of Laredo as $4,000,000 in federal funding was allocated for rail safety enhancements. This funding, provided through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program (CRISI), is made possible by the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a legislation Dr. Cuellar played a key role in passing in 2021.

In collaboration with the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad, the City of Laredo aims to utilize the federal grant to bolster reliability and safety on existing rail lines. The project will also involve the consolidation of outdated lines, with the ultimate goal of reducing vehicle wait times at train crossings. In a testament to the importance of this initiative, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad has committed to matching the federal funds with an additional $1,000,000 in private funds.

"Laredo is the nation’s #1 port of entry, and railroads are crucial to transporting goods entering from Mexico across the United States," stated Dr. Cuellar. "I voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 to provide critical funding to upgrade our nation’s rail infrastructure, a priority for border communities and international trade. I’m pleased to see the City of Laredo and Canadian Pacific Kansas City putting these federal dollars to good use by enhancing safety and reliability on existing routes and rerouting outdated lines to improve vehicle congestion downtown."

FRA Administrator Amit Bose acknowledged the importance of the CRISI Program in maintaining and modernizing America’s freight rail network. He highlighted the significance of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has resulted in the largest-ever investment in rail safety and supply chain upgrades through the CRISI program. The project, named the Downtown Laredo Rail Corridor Safety Planning Project, is set to address issues faced by the Laredo community by closing certain at-grade crossings, constructing grade-separated structures, and implementing other gate and safety improvements.

"As Laredo continues to grow in population and increase its international trade footprint, enhancing safety and relieving congestion from railway lines is well-received. I want to thank Congressman Cuellar and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad for their public/private collaboration on this infrastructure project. This will enhance the quality of life for all Laredoans," commented Dr. Victor Treviño, Mayor of Laredo.

The project is anticipated to alleviate congestion and enhance safety in downtown Laredo by closing five crossings, building two separations, and upgrading safety measures at 24 other crossings. The construction of the two new separations is estimated to save 2.29 million hours in travel delay.