Rep. Cuellar Secures $232 Million in Transportation Funding for Starr County

Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), announced $232,328,651 in federal transportation funding for Starr County as part of TxDOT’s Unified Transportation Program (UTP) for 2025. This funding will support 31 major transportation projects over the next decade, transforming the region’s infrastructure and economic prospects.

"These federal dollars will be used for major transportation projects across Starr County. Through this work - alongside partners in state and local government - we ensure that the residents of Starr County can travel more safely and efficiently," said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Investing in transportation systems not only minimizes the risk of accidents for travelers but also provides local jobs and helps the development of our communities. I would like to thank Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Starr County Industrial Foundation President Rose Benavidez, and other local Starr County leadership as well as the TxDOT Roma Area Engineer Danny Flores for their efforts to improve Starr County infrastructure and the quality of life for residents."

R to L: Mayor Jaime Escobar Jr., City of Roma, Fred Lopez, Maintenance Supervisor, TxDOT Roma Area, Danny Flores, TxTOT Roma Area Engineer, Judge Eloy Ver, Starr County, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Rose Benavidez, SCIF President, and Gilbert Millan, RGC City Manager,

Significant projects include the construction of State Loop 195, rehabilitation of FM 755, safety improvements on US-83, expanding a four-lane roadway at the Starr Camargo Bridge, Rio Grande City’s port of entry, and restoring the Roma International Suspension Bridge. These developments will enhance mobility and improve safety across Starr County.

More than half of the funding will be allocated to expanding roadways between Laredo and Roma, directly improving transportation efficiency along the border. Rio Grande City, located on this critical corridor, stands to benefit from a boost in commercial activity and safer, more reliable travel.

The funding is part of TxDOT’s Unified Transportation Program, which combines federal, state, and local resources to develop and fund projects across Texas. In Starr County, 79.36% of UTP funding comes from federal sources. Congressman Cuellar has consistently secured federal funds for infrastructure projects in Starr County, including $963,000 for the Starr County Juvenile Housing and Rehabilitation Center, $1 million for Las Americas Industrial Park in Roma, $5 million for the Roma Suspension Bridge, and $2.5 million for the East Water Loop Project.

These investments will strengthen transportation infrastructure and boost economic development across Starr County.