The Port of Laredo, Texas -Your partner for business opportunities-

Known locally as “Los Laredos”, Laredo and Nuevo Laredo are actually one city divided only by the Rio Grande. Originally settled by the Spaniards in 1755, Laredo/Nuevo Laredo became the first "official" Port of Entry on the U.S./Mexico's border in 1851. Now, the La- redo Customs District handles more trade than the ports of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas combined.

The Port of Laredo is the Number One Inland Port on the U.S.-Mexico border, generating more than $214 Billion in trade, ranked the Number Three Customs District in the U.S. by value of shipment---generating over $303 billion in international trade. In addition, the Port of Laredo is the nation's Number One land border gateway by value of imports and ex- ports, ranking first in the nation in 2017, transported across the border by highways, rail- roads and pipelines.

As the Port of Laredo gains momentum in the global economy, the LEDC continues to fos- ter the economic and industrial development of our community. The LEDC plays a vital role in keeping our local economy strong and vibrant and takes a leading role in promoting the Port of Laredo as the international logistics hub to the Americas.

At the center of the primary trade route connecting Canada, the United States and Mexico, and the gateway to Mexico's burgeoning industrial complex, Laredo and Nuevo Laredo offer markets, business opportunities and profit potential which business and industry simply cannot find anywhere else.

Laredo is the only U.S./Mexico border city strategically positioned at the convergence of all land transportation systems. Mexico's principal highway and railroad leading from Cen- tral America through Mexico City, Saltillo and Monterrey, the industrial heart of Mexico, converge at Laredo to meet two major U.S. rail lines, Inter-state Highway 35 and other roads which fan outwards to the urban centers and seaports of Texas, and beyond to Northern States and Canadian Provinces including Illinois, Michigan, New York and Ontar- io.

For the last several years, Mexico's economic reforms, increased U.S./Mexico trade and cross border production sharing combined to spur Laredo's growth as never before. As the fastest growing city east of the Rocky Mountains, and the most competitive NAFTA crossing, Laredo's bright economic future is vibrant.

Laredo is the place to be!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Laredo Economic Development Corporation P.O. Box 2682 (616 Leal St.) Laredo, Texas 78044-2682 Phone: (956)722-0563 Fax (956)722-6247 1-800-820-0564 E-mail: [email protected] www.laredoedc.org

Copyright ©2018 Laredo Economic Development Corporation TABLE OF CONTENTS

1- Laredo Economic Development Corporation

2- City of Laredo Tax Abatements

3- Industrial Sites

4- Industrial Parks Map

5- Economic Activity (2012-2018)

6- Vehicles Crossing thru the Port of Laredo, Location, and Population

7- Weather Overview

8- Municipal, Federal, and State Government

9- Current Tax Rates

10- Permit Information

11- Utilities

12- Transportation

13- Education

14- Workforce / Community and Recreation Facilities

15- Commercial Facilities & Service Business / Trade Organizations

16- Major Employers

17- Industrial Parks Contacts

18- Maps: Laredo Regional Highway System & Port of Laredo Primary

19- Trade Routes

20- Web Sites 1 Laredo Economic Development Corporation

The Laredo Economic Development Corporation, formed in November 1966 as Laredo Development Foundation, is a private non-profit corporation dedicated to the economic and industrial development of the Laredo economy. Nationally certified and recognized by the American Economic Development Council, the prime focus of the LEDC is industrial attraction, workforce development, assistance to small business start-ups, as well as expansion and retention of existing industry.

Mission Statement THE MISSION OF THE LAREDO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS TO PROMOTE AND FOSTER THE ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAREDO REGION.

LEDC activities are structured under four divisions, three operating and one internal: • Industrial Attraction Division • Business Development Division • Administration Division • International Business Assistance Center—MileOne

The Industrial Attraction Division is responsible for maintaining economic data for prospects, selecting target industries, encouraging new industries to locate in Laredo/Nuevo Laredo and helping new companies with the site-selection process and start-up operations.

The Business Development Division is responsible for preparing economic studies and forecasts, campaigning for needed educational resources and infrastructure projects and for assisting the border trade advocates and promoting border initiatives.

The Administration Division is responsible for contracts, adhering to strict financial procedures, annual audits, preparing financial statements, board minutes and staff reports as well as performing special tasks assigned by the Board. Also responsible for staff training and maintaining membership in the International Economic Development Council and the Texas Economic Development Council as well as others.

The MileOne - International Business Assistance Center (IBAC) will (1) promote entrepreneurship and international trade for the Laredo and Webb County South Texas region, (2) encourage FDI by facilitating the process of establishing a business in the U.S., and (3) assist U.S. companies who want to expand their business services into Mexico. As a support center, the IBAC will assist and guide companies through the process of establishing or expanding their business in a foreign country.

City of Laredo Tax Abatements 2

Industrial Sites 3

FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

Foreign-trade zones are secure areas under supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that are considered outside the customs territory of the United States for the purposes of duty payment. Located in or near customs ports of entry, they are the U.S. version of what are known internationally as free trade zones. Authority for establishing these facilities is granted by the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of 1934, as amended (19 U.S.C. §§81a-81u), and the Board’s regulations (15 C.F.R. Part 400).

Foreign and domestic merchandise may, subject to FTZ Board and CBP regulations, be moved into zones for operations not otherwise prohibited by law involving storage, exhibition, assembly, manufacturing, and processing. Domestic goods moved into a zone for export are considered ex- ported upon entering the zone for purposes of excise tax rebates and drawback. The benefits ob- tained through FTZ procedures help encourage U.S. activity, employment and value added, often in competition with foreign alternatives. FTZ sites and activities remain within the jurisdiction of federal, state and local governments and agencies.

On August 29, 2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Foreign Trade Zone Board approved the reorganization of the City of Laredo, Foreign-Trade Zone 94 service area to include all of 3,376 square miles of Webb County, under the Alternative Site Framework (ASF). Laredo's FTZ has now expanded from the original 7 sites and 4 Temporary Boundary Modifications to in- clude all of Webb County, Texas. According to the FTZ Board in 2018 there were 195 active FTZ programs in the United States.

Laredo is the 13th largest Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) for warehouse and distribution in the U.S. for exports activity; surpassing cities like Boston, Detroit, and El Paso.

In Laredo’s FTZ No. 94, there are 4 active Magnet FTZ sites plus various Usage Driven sites with over 40 FTZ Operators. Magnet sites in Laredo as follows:

• SITE Laredo International Airport (500 acres)

• SITE Killam Industrial Park (500 acres)

• SITE Unitec Industrial Park (682 acres)

• SITE Embarcadero Industrial Park (831 acres)

TOTAL 2,513 Acres

INDUSTRIAL PARKS & BUILDING AVAILABILTY

There are currently over 49 active industrial parks in Laredo with a range of prices and variety of industrial sites.

Source: Laredo International Airport 4 Industrial Parks

OpenLaredo.com is the City of Laredo's Open Data GIS Portal that includes Commercial, Industrial and Residential development areas for the City of Laredo.

FREE TRADE NAME CITY LIMITS ACRES ZONE Crossroads IN NO 36.11 Del Mar Industrial Park IN NO 66.63 Diamond IN 10.57 El Pico Development IN El Portal Industrial Park IN NO 465 Embarcadero Industrial Park IN YES 19.04 Emeral Industrial Park IN 61.24 Garmar Park IN 13 Gutierrez Industrial Park IN 5.01 Interamerica Distribution Park IN NO 234.75 International Commerce Center IN YES 221.02 International Distribution Park IN NO 215 Khaledi Industrial Park IN Killam Industrial Park IN YES 502 La Barranca Industrial Park OUT YES 886.47 Laredo Distribution Center IN NO 103.04 Laredo International Air Park IN 12.76

Laredo International Airport IN 1346.37

Las Lomas Industrial Park IN 78.73 Las Minas Industrial Park IN YES 59.09

Mann Road Commercial Park IN 29.67 Millennium Industrial Park IN NO 116.13

Source: City of Laredo's Open Data GIS Portal FREE TRADE NAME CITY LIMITS ACRES ZONE Milo Distribution Center IN NO 262.32 Missouri Pacific Railyards IN NO 330 Modern Industrial Park IN NO 75.16 ND Hachar Industrial Park IN 76.28 North America Industrial Park IN North Webb County Industrial Park IN 224.48 Octavio Salinas Industrial Park IN NO 25.26 Pan American Business Park IN NO 183.04 Paso del Norte Industrial Park IN NO 28.22 Paso del Norte Industrial Park Unit II IN 30.95 Pellegrino Industrial Park IN NO 26 Pinnacle Industry Center IN Pinto Valle Industrial Park OUT NO 195.12 Ponderosa Industrial Park IN NO 48 Port Grande Industrial Park IN Quivira Project IN NO 36.79 RMR Industrial Park IN NO 72 San Isidro East Point Center IN NO 211.54 Sophia Industrial Park IN 71.47 South Laredo Industrial Park IN NO 62.18 South Texas Oil & Gas Industrial Park IN NO 33.36 Southern Development Industrial Park IN NO 23.63 Tejas Industrial Park IN NO 296 Tex-Mex Industrial Park IN NO 39 Tex-Mex Switching Yard OUT YES 167.59 Tex-West Industrial Park IN 2.51 The New Trade Center IN TWJ Industrial Park IN 6.74 Unitec Industrial Park IN YES 726.62 Industrial Parks Map The City of Laredo has created a new Open Data Division of the Information Services and Tele- communications Department. OpenLaredo.com is the City of Laredo's open data portal. This includes development layers for the City of Laredo, lotlines, landbase, easements and subdivision boundaries. Among the information available is the Open GIS Portal. This is the community's public platform for exploring and downloading open data, discovering and building apps, and engaging to solve im- portant local issues. You can analyze and combine open datasets using maps, as well as you can find develop areas such as commercial, industrial and residential.

Economic Activity 5

Total Work Force MSA 111,814 112,013 113,533 114,487 111,688 113,149 (not adjusted) Employed (not adj.) 106,126 106,797 107,977 109,597 107,526 109,011 Unemployment Rate 5.1% 4.5% 4.9% 4.7% 3.8% 3.7% $3.2 Billion $3.4 Billion $3.4 Billion $3.5 Billion $3.7 Billion $3.8 Billion * Total Building Permits $409.4 Million $409.7 Million $515.7 Million $446.2 Million $390.2 Million $477.2 Million $40.2 Million $40.7 Million $38.8 Million $39.9 Million $42.8 Million $43.8 Million Multi-family Housing $80.1 Million $24.4 Million $10.7 Million $33.5 Million $17.2 Million $26.1 Million 205,424 202,961 187,791 167,084 170,752 186,909 Air Cargo Shipments 447,342,556 428,727,535 450,164,591 539,644,288 685,524,777 522,738,914

Exports (to Mexico) $240.3 Billion $235.7 Billion $231 Billion $243 Billion $265 Billion $256.3 Billion

Imports (from Mexico) $294.1 Billion $296.4 Billion $294.1 Billion $314 Billion $346 Billion $358.1 Billion Total Combined $534.4 Billion $532.1 Billion $525.1 Billion $557 Billion $611 Billion $614.4 Billion

Southbound (to Mexico) 1,906,886 1,982,097 2,073,060 2,156,793 2,272,551 2,332,638 1,947,846 2,015,773 2,083,964 2,537,573 2,318,008 2,370,309 3,854,732 3,997,870 4,157,024 4,694,366 4,590,559 4,702947 1,481,478 245,508 253,419 239,138 258,554 264,403

Sources: • Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts • Texas Labor Market Information – 2019 Quarterly Reports * • U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics • United Census Bureau • Laredo International Airport. • City of Laredo Building Department • City of Laredo International Bridge System 6 VEHICLES CROSSING THE BORDER AT LAREDO, TEXAS

CALENDAR YEAR 2019:

Total Trucks (Loaded & Empty) 2,370,309 2,332,638 4,702,947

Vehicles 6,126,375 6,444,989 12,571,364

TOTAL VEHICLES 2019

NORTHBOUND SOUTHBOUND

8,496,684 8,777,627 17,274,311

Source: Laredo International Bridge System and U.S. DOT, Bureau of Transportation Statistics Location

The Port of Laredo, Texas is located on U.S. Interstate 35 and Mexico's Pan American Highway; 150 miles west of the deep water port of Corpus Christi; 150 miles north of highly industrialized Monterrey, Mexico; 150 miles south of San Antonio, Texas; and just across the Rio Grande River from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

City City 2.5 Hours 1,546 28.0 Hours San Antonio 2.5 Hours New York 1,946 35.0 Hours 5.0 Hours Chicago 24.0 Hours Dallas 7.0 Hours 1,137 20.5 Hours Corpus Christi 2.5 Hours 1,783 32.5 Hours

Population

With an estimated population of 236,057 in the year 2010, Laredo has experienced a growth of 10 % with an estimated population of 262,491 by July 2019. With approximately 412,365 living across the border in our Sister City of Nuevo Laredo, the Los Dos Laredos region has a combined population of over 674,856 habitants.

AREA: City of Laredo: 59,411 acres or 107 sq. mi. County of Webb: 2,148,480 acres or 3,357 sq. mi. Topography: Relatively flat with rolling hills Average Elevation: 438 feet

AGE GROUP ETHNIC GROUPS Under 5 9.6 % 21 years and over 61.0 % Hispanic 95.4%

Non-Hispanic 3.6% Under 18 33.4 % 65 years and over 9.0 %

White alone 95.4% 18 years and 66.4 % 85 years and over 1.2 % over Black or African alone 0.4%

Asian alone 0.5% Population Characteristics Male 48.9 % American Indian and 0.2% Alaskan Native Female 51.1 %

Two or more races 0.5% Veterans, 2014-2018 4,924 Foreign Born, 2014-2018 26.2%

Source: United Census Bureau, City of Laredo, Real Estate Center of Texas A&M University. 7 Weather Overview

PRECIPITATION 2019 Max Average Min

Precipitation 2.93 in. 1.19. in. 0.88 in. Snow depth 0.00 in. 0.00 in. 0.00 in.

TEMPERATURE 2019 Max Average

Highest Maximum Temp. 114°F 100°F Lowest Minimum Temp. (January) 19°F 46°F

WIND 2019 Max Average Min

Wind 41 mph 10 mph 0 mph

Gust Wind 52 mph 23 mph 16 mph

Source: The Weather Channel. Municipal, Federal and State Government 8

City of Laredo is administered by a City Manager form with the City Council consisting of a Mayor elected at large and eight (8) Council members representing districts. www.ci.laredo.tx.us

Webb County is administered by the Webb County Commissioner's Court consisting of a County Judge and four (4) Commissioners representing districts. www.webbcountytx.gov

The local government has a Planning Commission, a City Master Plan, and Zoning.

FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICE DEPARTMENT Sworn Personnel: Fire Suppression Rating Schedule: Service Provided Outside City Limits No Negotiators 58

Stations SWAT Team Service Provided Outside City Limits No Regional Fire Training Facility Main Station & City Annex 1 Fire Chief: Guillermo Heard (956) 718-6000 Chief Claudio Treviño, Jr. (956) 795-2899 Fire Marshal: Andres Jimenez, Jr. (959) 718-6000

Laredo Fire Dept. has 30 State Certified Hazmat Technicians and one Hazmat Unit fully equipped. Lare- do Firefighters have received Hazardous Material Training in all modes: WMD (Weapons of Mass De- struction), Bio/Chem.-Terrorism, and river containment procedures. Training Center consists of a 10,000 sq. ft. building, and is on 77 acres, plus 200 acres for future expansion, state of the art training center, conference room, gymnasium, auditorium for 88 students, 2 class rooms for 40 students. Reviews build- ing plans for specific Fire Code requirements. There is no cost for review.

OTHER CITY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS Animal Control Building Development Services Convention & Visitors Bureau Environmental Services Information Services & Telecommunication Laredo International Airport Pete Saenz Laredo Public Library Mayor Term: Nov. Parks & Leisure Services 2018 to Nov. Planning & Zoning 2022 Transit / El Metro

Source: City of Laredo, Laredo Police Department, Laredo Fire Department. Federal and State Government

GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN CITY Federal: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. General Services Administration, U.S. Government-Federal Courthouse, U.S. Marshall Services, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Federal Bureau Investigation, U.S. Attorney, US Labor Department Wage & Hour Division, Transportation Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Agricultural Department, U.S. Social Security Administration, Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, US Veterans Affairs Department.

State: Highway Patrol, Public Health Department, Texas Workforce Solutions, Texas Child Protective Services, WIC, Agriculture, U.S. Attorney General, Comptroller, Department of Public Safety, Parks, Human Services Transportation, Workers Compensation, Texas Migrant Council .

Senator Judith Zaffirini Congressman Henry R. Cuellar Rep. Richard Peña Raymond District 21 28th Congressional District District 42

MILITARY INSTALLATIONS WITHIN 30 MILES U.S.A.F. and F.A.A. Radar Site at Oilton U.S. Army Reserve Center in Laredo Texas Army National Guard Armory in Laredo

Source: City of Laredo. Current Tax Rates 9 The FY 2017 property tax rate for the City of Laredo is $0.634000 per $100 value. This tax rate consists of the Maintenance and Operation rate of $0.493751 per $100 taxable value and an Interest and Sinking Rate of $0.143249 per $100 taxable value. The current total local sales tax rate in Webb County, TX is 6.750%. The December 2015 total local sales tax rate was also 6.750%. SALES AND USE TAX RATE Webb County 0.50% Laredo's public transportation system has the highest ridership in the U.S. Also, Laredo offers Sports Venue 0.25% a franchise tax of .04500 and by which it can City of Laredo 1.25% vary.

State of Texas 6.25% HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX RATE The City of Laredo’s current hotel occupancy tax rate is 14.00%. This rate consists of 7.00% City TOTAL 8.25% of Laredo; 1.00% Webb County; and 6.00% State of Texas.

LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES INSIDE CITY LIMITS OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS City of Laredo: 0.634000 City of Laredo: 0 County: County: Webb County 0.412000 Webb County .405824 Laredo College 0.297163 Road & Bridge .014231 Laredo I.S.D. 1.4108 Laredo College .064174 TOTAL TAX 2.759663 United I.S.D. 1.194860 United I.S.D. 1.214860 TOTAL TAX 2.563723 TOTAL TAX 1.679089

Other City Details Laredo is in the following zip codes: 78040, 78041, 78042, 78043, 78044, 78045, 78046, 78049.

Source: City of Laredo. 10 Laredo Permit Information

ALARM SYSTEM PERMIT City Ordinance #2001-0-050 requires all alarm system to be City Hall Annex - Tax Department registered with the City of Laredo. It is the permit holder's 1102 Bob Bullock Loop responsibility to post the permit and to renew before the P.O. Box 6548 expiration date. A permit can be obtained at City of Laredo Laredo, Texas 78042-6548 Tax Department by submitting an Alarm System Permit (956) 727-6414 Application. (956) 727-6410 fax Alarm Permit Fee: Residential - $40 Alarm Permit Fee: Residential Over 65 - $25.00 Non-Residential: $60

BUILDING PERMITS No building permit or moving permit will be issued •Building until a street-cut permit is issued by the street-cut division. •Residential •Mechanical There are separate fee schedules for each type of •Plumbing application. In particular, the general building permit •Energy requires a plan review fee apart from the building permit •Fuel Gas fee. General building permit fees are calculated by square •Private sewage disposal footage and value. (956) 794-1625 (956) 795-2998 fax

INSTALLATION PERMIT This permit is required for the installation of any new Building Department structure. As an example, the placement of a portable or 1120 San Bernardo mobile building such as a manufactured home or placement Laredo, Texas 78040 of an existing structure from another location. An application can be obtained at the Building Department for (956) 794-1625 a cost of: (956) 795-2998 fax $50 per structure.

STREET CUTS Street Cut Permits are required for the installation of new Street Cut Inspectors Office water, sewer, or gas taps; construction of driveways and 1120 San Bernardo sidewalks or any construction in the City of Laredo's Right- P.O. Box 579 of-Way to include sprinkler systems. Laredo, Texas78042 Effective April 1, 2014 the cost per curb cut permit is: (956) 794-1625 $50 per residential curb cut (956) 795-2998 fax $250 per commercial curb cut

DEMOLITION PERMIT A demolition permit can be obtained from the building Building Department department for a cost of: 1120 San Bernardo $50 per structure P.O. Box579 Laredo, Texas 78042

(956) 794-1625 (956) 795-2998 fax

Source: - City of Laredo Building Development Service Department . Environmental Services Department Divisions

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Any person or entity who uses, stores, consumes, manages, DIVISION disposes, transfers or handles any hazardous material in, on, 619 Reynolds or about a storage facility must obtain and maintain a Laredo, Texas 78040 hazardous materials storage and handling permit that is applicable to the facility classification. John Porter, REM, CFM, CPM Director The annual permit fee for a hazardous materials storage [email protected] facility is five hundred dollars ($500.00). A hazardous materials storage and handling permit may be issued for a (956) 794-1650 term of one (1) year. A provisional permit may be issued for (956) 727-7944 fax any period of time up to six (6) months. A temporary permit may be issued for no longer than thirty (30) days.

Current Number of Hazardous Material Permits: 626 19,950,899 Gallons of Hazardous Materials Monitored by Division. 65,6819,216,892 Pounds of Hazardous Materials Monitored by Division.

STORMWATER DIVISION The Stormwater Division deals with issues involving water 619 Reynolds quality, watershed management, household hazardous waste Laredo, Texas 78040 issues, illegal dumping, and construction and industrial storm water permits. John Porter, REM, CFM, CPM Construction Storm Water Permits are required of land Director disturbance sites greater than 5 acres. Smaller projects may [email protected] be required to obtain a Construction Storm Water Permit if it is part of a larger planned development (i.e. individual lots in (956) 794-1650 a housing development would not be exempt from a permit (956) 727-7944 fax since they are part of a larger development). In order to obtain a Construction Storm Water Permit, a SWPPP or SWP3 needs to be submitted to the Environmental Department as well as a copy of the Notice of Intent (NOI) for the project. In addition to the documents required above, the Construction Storm Water Permit requires the submission of a Storm Water Management Plan. After all documents are received the site will be inspected by the Environmental Department, and if all requirements are met, a Storm Water Permit will be issued for the construction activity.

Number of Industrial Stormwater Permits: 64

Source: City of Laredo Environmental Services 11 Utilities

ELECTRICITY TELE-COMMUNICATIONS

Providers: AEP Texas, Ambit Energy, TXU Energy Telephone AT&T,T-Mobile-Verizon, Inc., Reliant Energy, First Choice Power, Inc., CPL Retail Company: Spectrum, Metro, Sprint, Energy, Green Mountain Energy Co., Entergy Solutions, Cricket, Boost Mobile. WTU Retail Energy, Utility Choice Electric, GEXA Services available Energy, ACN Energy, Inc., Cirro Corp., Energy America (Centrica), Medina Electric. ATM cell relay ISDN PRI

See www.powertochoose.org for additional Enterprise network Frame Relay support NATURAL GAS DSL internet service Select Data Distributor: Center Point Energy 800-Conference Long Distance

Size of district line: 12 inch For other services available contact: Lupita Zepeda District line pressure: 100 PSI (956) 727-6703

District line pressure: 10-15 PSI Long-Distance Companies: AT&T Company, Lone Star Telecom, MCI Telecommunications, Average BTU per cubic foot: 1000 BTU/CF Sprint, Laredo Cellular, T&H Telephone Services, and U.S. Long Distance. Center Point/Reliant Energy/Entex (956) 723-6351

SEWER WATER Type of treatment plant: Secondary/oxidation (EFFECTIVE 10/01/19) Plant Inside City Limits: *Usage charge per 1,000 gallons, up to 2,000 gallons. (EFFECTIVE 10/01/19) Inside City Limits: 5/8" & 3/4" Meter Inside City Limits: *Usage charge per 1,000 gallons 0 to 2,000 gallons Basic Rate: Basic rate: $10.52 Residential: $10.44 Residential:

Multi-Family & $27.97 Multi-Family & Commercial: $39.61 Commercial: Plant capacity: 2529.251 mgd INDUSTRIAL WASTE Disposal Services are available.

Source: City of Laredo Utilities Department. Transportation 12

Laredo is the largest, most efficient port of entry on the U.S./Mexico border. In 2019, it handled 264,406 rail car shipments. Currently, there are 834 trade-handling, transportation-related businesses in Laredo, Texas. Including cars, over 12,571,364 vehicles crossed the Rio Grande at Laredo in 2019.

AIR

Laredo International Airport (956) 795-2000 - Laredo International Airport (956) 795-2000 - The Airport is located on 1,800 acres of a former U.S. Air Force Base. The airport has three paralleled runways of 8,236 feet and 8,742 feet, and a crosswind runway of 5,927 feet. The 8,742 ft. runway is the longest commercial runway in South Texas and was reconstructed in 1997 to handle the heaviest aircraft now flying. The runways are equipped with ILS (17R), LOC BC, VOR DME and NDB/GPS approaches. The control tower is open daily from 6 am to midnight. There are two (2) Fixed Based Operators (FBO) at LRD, Signature Flight Support and Barker Automotive that provide jet fueling, aircraft ground handling, aircraft maintenance & repairs, inspections, and full services. Commercial aviation is served by a 78,000 sq. ft. modern passenger terminal with 4 jet boarding bridges. Commercial passenger service is provided by American Airlines with service to Dallas/Forth Worth, United Airlines to Houston Intercontinental, and Allegiant Air which offers year-round scheduled service to Las Vegas. Coming soon will be scheduled international non-stop flight service to Mexico City with Aeromar Airlines. Private fixed wind and helicopter service are also available. The airport has dedicated air freight facilities in excess of 200,000 sq. ft. Scheduled Air Cargo service is provided by UPS and FedEx. There are 30+ Air Cargo charter operators that offer on-demand service from LRD including Northern Air Cargo, USA Jet, USA TSM, Kalita Charters, IFL, Everts Air, Freight Runners, and many others. For 2018, LRD was ranked as the 41st largest All-Cargo airport in the United States. Non-aeronautical properties continue to be developed into a world class medical campus. Additional City, State, and Federal facilities have been built such as a U.S. Veteran's Clinic, State Attorney General's Office, City Police Department, and Municipal Court. The Airport is undergoing a Land Use Development Plan to access the current properties for highest and best use. The Airport Capital Improvement Plan for the next 5 years is approximately $50 million for modernization of cargo aprons, construction of taxiways, airfield improvements, and noise exposure mitigation.

The Laredo International Airport has become a diverse professional campus servicing both the Airline and Aviation industry and the needs of the community. DEEP WATER PORTS

Corpus Christi- 3rd largest port in the United Houston- No. 1 U.S. port in foreign waterborne States, based on total revenue tonnage, and tonnage and is one of the world's 10 busiest the 2nd largest exporter of crude oil. ports. Channel depth: 47 ft. Channel depth: Mean low tide of 45 ft.

Width: 400 ft. Width: 530 ft.

Distance from Laredo: 156 miles Distance from Laredo: 301 miles

Directly connected to Laredo by the Texas— Directly connected to Laredo by the Texas— Mexican Railroad Hwy. Mexican Railroad Hwy.

Source: Laredo International Airport, United States Department of Transportation - Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Transportation

HIGHWAYS MOTOR FREIGHT I.H. 35- To San Antonio, Dallas & north to the Industrial activity in the Laredo area is served Canadian Border. (Pan American Highway) from all points by virtually every motor freight Hwy 59- To Houston, New Orleans & east. carrier in the U.S. providing interstate services. In addition, Laredo is the only border city I.H. 69 From Texas to Michigan serviced by ICC licensed cross border "drayage" Hwy 359- To Corpus Christi carriers that provide international service Hwy 83- To Brownsville (east) & El Paso (west) between Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Tamps.

RAIL PARCEL SERVICE Laredo is serviced by Union Pacific and Kansas OVERNIGHT TERMINAL City Southern Railroads. FedEx Yes Yes Union Pacific Railroad, the largest railroad in North DHL Worldwide Yes Yes America, covers 23 states across two thirds of the United States and has rail lines serving many LPS Yes Yes major cities including Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, Seattle, UPS Yes Yes Portland, los Angeles, and Houston. UP also has direct connections to all areas of Mexico and Estafeta U.SA. Yes Yes Canada. Laredo is Union Pacific's #1 Rail Interchange Gateway on the U.S./Mexico Border. TRADE HANDLING SERVICES KCSR (Kansas City Southern Railroad) The following Associations can be reached interchanges with the BNSF (Burlington Northern through the Laredo EDC: Santa Fe) and UPRR and other U5. Railroads and owns the KCSM that interchanges at Brownsville Laredo Licensed U.S. Customs Brokers and Laredo, Texas. Association (LLUSCBA)- Laredo's custom house brokers are the most experienced on the U.S./ Mexico border. Many of the current brokers are BUS SERVICE operating family-owned companies established in Americanos USA, Autobuses Latino de Greyhound, the late 1850's. El Conejo Bus lines, El Metro (Laredo Municipal Transit System), El Aguila (County Transit System), Association of Laredo Forwarding Agents (ALFA) El Expreso Bus Company, and Giros El Paisano ALFA is a sister organization of the Customs Brokers Association of Nuevo Laredo, which brings together members of the same companies that have a redirecting in Laredo Texas, to represent their interests in the U.S.

Logistics & Manufacturing Association Port Laredo (LMA)- is an organization established to represent and promote long-term industrial and allied service interest to Los Dos Laredos. Consists of trucking companies, freight forwarders, railroads, and air freight companies.

Source: City of Laredo Education 13

The Laredo community is made up of two districts, Laredo Independent School District and United Independent School District. The goal of each school district is to work together with the students, parents, teachers, and administrators, in the quest of having excellence in education. Learning is the key to a bright and successful future. By setting high standards, the districts play a crucial role in preparing the students to meet the challenges and demands of today's high-tech, multi-cultural work place.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Laredo Independent School District and United Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, Laredo State Independent School District Center, and the following Magnet Schools:

Total enrollment: 73,904 (both districts) LISD Magnet Schools • Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications & # of H.S. graduates: 3,200 year (both districts) Fine Arts, for visual and performing arts which includes the district's alternative schools: Martin, Nixon, Cigarroa, Francisco Lara Middle and High School Academy LISD—inside city limits • Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Magnet School UISD—inside and outside city limits • Sabas Perez School for Engineering and Technology Education UISD Magnet Schools SUMMARY OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES • J.B. Alexander High School Magnet for Health and Science UISD LISD PRIVATE • United South High School Academy of Global Business and Advanced Technology Elementary Schools 29 20 29 • United High School Engineering and Technology Middle Schools 10 4 5 Magnet High Schools 4 4 4 ADULT EDUCATION

 G.E.D. (Level 4), Laredo College conducts VOCATIONAL TRAINING customized training courses as requested by American Driving School Inc., Laredo Beauty businesses and industries. College, Laredo Driver Training School Inc., and TCR computer Training Center.

HIGHER EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES (CITY, COUNTY, STATE) Facility Name Miles M.S.

yes yes Southwest Texas State- San Marcos 200 230 yes yes Texas A&M University- College Station 345

Source: United Independent School District, Laredo Independent School District, Texas A&M International University, Laredo College 14 Workforce

JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS

Laredo College- Customized training and classroom training in many subjects. LC Export/Import Center -Vocational training in cross-border trade-handling for Custom Brokers, etc. Laredo Job Corps Center, Ser-Jobs (or Progress, Texas Careers, Southern Career Institute Workforce Solutions for South Texas-

Community and Recreational Facilities RECREATIONAL, SOCIAL, CULTURAL Laredo Country Club–18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, racquetball, sauna, superb dining and banquet area- 600 members.

Max Mandel Golf Course—Situated on 273 acres of typical South Texas Mesquite land. Holes of 8, 9, 15 and 16 play directly alongside and overlooking the Rio Grande. It has a par 72 golf course that has excellent balance of drama, playability, risk, and reward.

Laredo Center For The Arts—Multi-discipline arts center for Laredo Art League, Laredo Art League, Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, Webb County Heritage Foundation and Little Theater Group.

NUMBER OF CHURCHES MEDICAL 125 - 27 Denominations Hospitals: 4 Doctors Hospital, Laredo Medical Center, Providence Center, Laredo Specialty Hospital,

Total no. of beds: *585

(Laredo Medical Center 326, Doctors Hospital 187, Providence Hospital 12, Laredo Specialty Hospital 60) Number of physicians: 258 LODGING Hotels/Motels: 39 Clinics: 42

Source: Texas Workforce Commission. Ambulance service: 14 local companies Community and Recreational Facilities

OTHER FACILIES: OTHER SOCIAL CLUBS: Sames Auto Arena 1 Rotary (4) Auditoriums 3 • Lions • Kiwanis Baseball/Softball 17 • Optimists • Jaycees Boxing Gyms 5 Libraries 6 20-30 Club Laredo Children’s Museum 4 Woman's City Club Plazas 4 Laredo Young Women's Association United Way Public Parks & Facilities 97 Leadership Laredo Public Swimming Pools 9 Boy Scouts of America Public Golf Courses 2 Girl Scouts of America Private Golf Courses 2 Laredo Little League Racquetball Courts 3 Washington's Birthday Celebration Association Baseball, Softball & Soccer Fields 23 Animal Protective Society Tennis Courts 3 Laredo International Fair & Exposition Theaters 5 Junior Achievement of South Texas Unitrade Stadium 1 International Good Neighbor Council Youth Centers 9 Laredo Art League

Washington Birthday Celebration

Laredo Public Library

Sames Auto Arena 15 Commercial Facilities & Services

NEWSPAPER RADIO AND TELEVISION Laredo Morning Times & San Antonio Radio Stations in the City: 11 Express News, El Mañana de Nuevo Laredo Television Stations: 3 (Smaller) Weekly & Daily Newspapers: 7 Cable Operator: Spectrum, DirectTV & 3 Major Newspaper Circulation: 28,000 Dish

TELEGRAPH COMPUTER SERVICES American Telegram, A Coast to Coast Worldwide, Western Union Services: 30

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ASSETS International Bank of Commerce $12.1 Billion FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (2019) In partnership with the Texas A&M International BBVA USA €113.6 Million University's Small Business Development Center (2019) offers free counseling on business plans and other pre-requisites for applying for SBA-Guaranteed loans Plains Capital Bank (formerly First $15.7 Billion as well as management, marketing and other National Bank) (March 2020) assistance. Wells Fargo Bank $1.9 Trillion (April 2020) Commerce Bank $26 Billion (2019) Falcon International Bank $1.3 Billion (March 2020) Texas Community Bank $1.4 Billion (March 2020) Vantage Bank of Texas $2.1 Billion (2019) Bank of America $2.4 Trillion (2019) JPMorgan/Chase & Co. $2.6 Billion (2019) Laredo Federal Credit Union $130 Million (2018) TEX-MEX Community Credit $11.2 Million Union (2019) Laredo Fire Department Federal $12.5 Million Credit Union (2018) South Texas Regional Federal $6.7 Million Credit Union (2018)

Laredo EDC contacted each financial institution directly Business & Trade Organizations

Laredo Economic Development Logistics & Manufacturing Association Corporation (LEDC) Port Laredo (LMA) 616 Leal Street (P.0. Box 2682) P.O. Box 451391 Laredo, Texas 78044-2682 Laredo, Texas 78045 (956)722-0563 (956)791-2143 (956)722-6247 fax President: Jason Hinojosa President & CEO: Gene Lindgren Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.lmaportlaredo.com Website: www.laredoedc.org Primary focus: Manufacturing & Maquiladora

Laredo Chamber of Commerce TAMIU -Small Business Development Center 2310 San Bernardo (P.O. Box 790) 5201 University Blvd. Laredo, Texas 78042 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956)722-9895 (956)326-2827 (956)791-4503 fax (956)326-2544 President & CEO: Miguel Conchas Director: Website: www.laredochamber.com Website: http://sbdc.tamiu.edu Primary focus: Retail Primary focus: Small Business Development & Assistance

Texas Center for Border Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade and Economic Development Texas A&M International University Texas A&M International University 5201 University Blvd. 5201 University Blvd. Laredo, Texas 78041-1900 Laredo, Texas 78041-1900 (956)326-2820 (956)326-2547 (956)326-2819 fax (956)326-2544 fax Director: Stephen Meardon Director: Federico Schaffler Website: http://freetrade.tamiu.edu Website: http://texascenter.tamiu.edu Primary Focus: Western Hemispheric Trade Primary focus: Border economic development & trade data Business & Trade Organizations

Laredo Licensed U.S. Customs Brokers Association Laredo Association of Realtors One West End Washington St # P3, 616 Leal St. Laredo, Texas 78040-4300 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) One Wes End Washington St # P3, (800) 873-9155 Laredo, TX 78040-4300 (956) 712-4400 (956) 740-7707 President: Ernie Rendon President: Monica Salinas Website: www.laredorealtors.org Website: www.lluscba.org Primary focus: Real Estate Primary focus: Customs & Trade

Mexican Customs Broker Association Consejo para el Desarollo Economico e Ave. Cesar Lopez de Lara #3603 Industrial de Nuevo Laredo (CODEIN) Nuevo Laredo, Tamps. 88000 Reynosa No. 1413, 3er piso, Sector Centro (011)52-867-711-5800 Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico C.P. Email: [email protected] 88000 Website: www.aaanld.org 011-52-867-712-34-37 President: Edgardo Pedraza Quintanilla 011-52-867-712-34-70 fax Primary focus: Mexican Customs, Trade, & Website: www.codein.org Transportation President: Lic. Carlos Montoya Director: Primary Focus: Industrial & Economic

Laredo Builders Association 210 W. Hillside #3 Ass. of Logistics & Forwarding Agents Laredo, Texas 78041 107 Calle del Norte Ste. 114 (956) 722-5553 (956) 791-7690 (956) 791-3722 fax (956) 724-3026 fax Executive Officer: Sheri Alba Laredo, Texas 78041 Website: www.laredobuilders.org Website: www.forwarding.org Director: Sheri Alba President: Dionisio J. Gonzalez de Castilla Primary focus: Construction & Development Primary focus: Freight Forwarders Major Employers 16

Major employers list, compiled by the Laredo EDC on January 2020*, in the City of Laredo include the following: LAREDO, TEXAS TOP EMPLOYERS

PRIVATE SECTOR: #Employees Telephone #

H.E.B. (7 locations) 1,764* 956-724-1761 McDonald’s Restaurant 1520* 956-724-6110 Laredo Medical Center 1450* 956-796-5000 Wal-Mart (4 Locations) 2,125* 956-791-3303 Concentix 940 956-728-5500 Doctor’s Hospital 835* 956-523-2000 International Bank of Commerce 668* 956-722-7611

The Outlet Shoppes (57 stores) 800-2,300 956-625-5353

Sames Auto Arena 175 956-791-9192 Target Greatland (2 Stores) 450 956-722-6800 Sames Motor Company 223 956-721-4700 BBVA Bank (11 locations) 193* 956-724-7911 Falcon International Bank (7 locations) 350* 956-723-2265 Union Pacific Railroad 175 956-721-3249 Family Chevrolet 157 956-727-1192 Sears & Roebuck Co. 105 956-726-2100 PUBLIC SECTOR: United Independent School District 6,398* 956-473-6273

Laredo Independent School District 4,500* 956-795-3200 City of Laredo 2,721* 956-791-7411

Laredo Sector Border Patrol 1,400 956-764-3200

US CBP—Customs Field Office 1,950 956-523-7300 Webb County 1,800* 956-523-4999 Texas A&M International University 1,392 956-326-2365 Laredo College (2 Campuses) 929 956-721-5138

Border Region Behavioral Health Center 250 956-794-3000

Gateway Community Health Center (4 locations) 231 956-795-8100 U.S. Post Office 164 210-368-8412 Source: The Laredo EDC contacted each employer directly 17 Industrial Park Contacts

DIAMOND INDUSTRIAL PARK (Pending) (Pending)

EL PORTAL INDUSTRIAL PARK * EMBARCADERO * EMERLAD INDUSTRIAL PARK Cristy Swisher Benjamin Puig (Pending) Swisher & Martin Realty 11110 Mines Rd. Suite 101 5711 McPherson Rd, Suite 202 Laredo, Texas 78045 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 791-5000 Tel: (956) 725-3800 www.swisherandmartinrealty.com GARMAR PARK GUTIERREZ INDUSTRIAL PARK INTER-AMERICA (Pending) (Pending) Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 724-9094

INTL. COMMERCE CENTER * INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER* Rudy Benavides –White Ark Enterpris- PARK Rudy Benavides –White Ark Enterprises es (Pending) 6900 McPherson Rd. 6900 McPherson Rd. Laredo, Texas 78041 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 726-1165 (956) 726-1165 www.whiteark.co KHALEDI INDUSTRIAL PARK * KILLAM INDUSTRIAL PARK * LA BARRANCA INDUSTRIAL PARK * Carlo Molano- Forum CRE Rolando Ortiz-Killam Development Ltd. Eduado Pina 10410 Medical Loop, Suite 1B 4320 University Blvd. 8901 San Mateo Dr. Laredo, TX 78045 Laredo, Texas 78042 Laredo, Texas 78042 (956) 717-9090 (956) 724-7141 ((956) 723-6396 Www.forumcre.com www.killamco.com www.lpina.com LAREDO DISTRIBUTION CENTER LAREDO INTERNATIONAL AIR LAREDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT * (Pending) PARK * Jeffrey Miller Jeffrey Miller 5210 Bob Bullock Loop 5210 Bob Bullock Loop Laredo, Texas 78041 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 795-2000 (956) 795-2000 www.flylaredotexas.com www.flylaredotexas.com LAS LOMAS INDUSTRIAL PARK LAS MINAS INDUSTRIAL PARK MANN ROAD COMMERCE PARK (Pending) (Pending) (Pending)

MILLENIUM INDUSTRIAL PARK * MILO DISTRIBUTION CENTER * MISSOURI PACIFIC RAILYARDS Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty (Pending) 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 Laredo, Texas 78041 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 724-9094 (956) 724-9094

MODERN INDUSTRIAL PARK * ND HACHAR INDUSTRIAL PARK * * Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty Nicholas Steenberg 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 7718 McPherson Rd. Ste. 304 Laredo, Texas 78041 Laredo, Texas 78045 (956) 724-9094

* Last update: March 2020. Industrial Park Contacts NORTH LAREDO IND. PARK * NORTH WEBB INDUSTRIAL PARK * OCTAVIO SALINAS INDUSTRIAL Rudy Benavides-White Ark Enterprises Rudy Benavides-White Ark Enterprises *PARK 6900 Mc Pherson Rd. 6900 Mc Pherson Rd. Octavio Salinas II Laredo, Texas 78041 Laredo, Texas 78041 1116 Calle Del Norte (956) 726-1165 (956) 726-1165 Laredo, Texas 78041 www.whiteark.co www.whiteark.co (956) 727-4942

PAN AMERICAN BUSINESS PARK * PASO DEL NORTE IND. PARK PELLEGRINO INDUSTRIAL PARK * Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty (Pending) Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 Laredo, Texas 78041 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 724-9094 (956) 724-9094

PINNACLE INDUSTRY CENTER * PINTO VALLE INDUSTRIAL PARK * PONDEROSA INDUSTRIAL PARK Carlo Molano- Forum CRE Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty (Pending) 10410 Medical Loop, Suite 1B 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 Laredo, TX 78045 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 717-9090 (956) 724-9094 www.forumcre.com

PORT GRANDE INDUSTRIAL PARK * QUIVIRA PROJECT RMR INDUSTRIAL PARK Majestic Realty (Pending) (Pending) 1309 Carriers Dr. Laredo, Texas 78045 Tel: (817) 710-7368 www.majesticrealty.com SAN ISIDRO EAST POINT CENTER * SOPHIA INDUSTRIAL PARK SOUTH LAREDO INDUSTRIAL PARK Pat Murphy-San Isidro Management (Pending) (Pending) 9901 Mc Pherson Rd. Ste. 201 Laredo, Texas 78045 (956) 725-6509

SOUTH TEXAS OIL& GAS IND. PARK SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT IND. TEJAS INDUSTRIAL PARK * (Pending) PARK * Ruben Garcia Joe Maldonado—Sanchez Oil & Gas Co. 10410 Medical Loop, 5B Laredo, Texas 78045 (956) 722-8092 www.sanchezog.com

TEX-MEX INDUSTRIAL PARK * TEX-MEX SWITCHING YARD TEX-WEST INDUSTRIAL PARK Arturo Dominguez (Pending) (Pending) P.O. Box 419 Laredo, Texas 78042

THE NEW TRADE CENTER * TWJ INDUSTRIAL PARK UNITEC INDUSTRIAL PARK * Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty (Pending) Lula Morales-Lula Morales Realty 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 5615 San Dario Ave. #101 Laredo, Texas 78041 Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 724-9094 (956) 724-9094

* Last update: March 2020. 18 Maps Trade Routes 19 20 Websites

Attorney General of Texas: www.texasattorneygeneral.gov Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov Bureau of Transportation Statistics: www.bts.gov Texas Economic Development: www.gov.texas.gov/business Caminos y Puentes Federales: www.gob.mx/capufe City of Laredo, Texas: www.ci.laredo.tx.us County of Webb: www.webbcounty.com First Gov. Official Web Site to search the www.firstgov.gov U.S. Government: Laredo Chamber of Commerce www.laredochamber.com Laredo College www.laredo.edu Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau www.visitlaredo.com Laredo Economic Development Corporation www.laredoedc.org Secretaria de Economia (SECOFI): www.gob.mx/se State of Texas: www.texas.gov Texas A & M University: www.tamu.edu Texas A & M International University: www.tamiu.edu Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: www.comptroller.texas.gov Texas Economic Development Corporation: www.businessintexas.com Texas Department of State Health Services: www.dshs.texas.gov Texas Education Agency: www.tea.state.tx.us The Texas Legislative Council: www.tlc.state.tx.us Texas State Data Center: txsdc.tamu.edu Texas Transportation Institute: tti.tamu.edu Texas Workforce Commission: www.twc.state.tx.us U.S. Customs Service: www.customs.ustreas.gov U.S. Department of Transportation: www.dot.gov U.S. Treasury www .treas.gov U.S. International Trade Commission: www .usitc.gov U.S. Postal Service: www .uspos.com U.S. Department of State: www.state.gov NOTES

Laredo, Great Place to Live