Laredo infrastructure is not keeping up with the pace of the city's population.
That’s one of the conclusions made in a study released today, meant to help Laredo grow in a positive way.
The study outlines the wants and needs of the average person in Webb County.
Annette Garcia has the details.
Information released Wednesday in a study about Laredo and Webb County highlights many concerns.
But those behind the study say it's just what they needed.
“We’re trying to work on health issues. What are the priorities? What do we really need to focus on?”
“This will allow us to know what the future needs of Laredo are when it comes to healthcare community needs. It’s a comprehensive survey.”
The “Assessment of Community Health and Workforce Need” was done by the City of Laredo, UT Health science center, the Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center and several partners.
Its a kind of study that has only been done here once before and that was back in 1995.
Hundreds of people were surveyed and asked about their needs and what it would take to make life a little better in the gateway city.
“We went down to the community we presented over 1200 surveys adults, households, students and asked them what do you think are the strengths of Laredo and what do you think we need to work on.”
Charts and graphs in the assessment outline the thoughts of the community.
The number of people lacking health insurance.
Concern for adequate parks by zip code.
“There are no surprises we know a lot of things already. Health. More access to healthcare. Better education. More training programs. Ability to speak English. English proficiency. Quality of life issues.”
Most people, a whopping 94 percent of those surveyed said they'd like to see better health care, better education and better paying jobs.
Here are some of the conclusions drawn from the data collected
Laredo-Webb County has grown at a faster pace than its infrastructure and population exceeds the available supply of primary care services.
It also said that socio-economic factors such as education and jobs are particularly dormant and are limiting the chances for growth and development, allowing for high percentage rates of children in poverty and violent crime.
Those behind the study say that's ok.
“Now we know what the needs are.”
This is not the end of a survey, instead the beginning of a better future.
“Now we have it down. We have it in data and we can use it as a road map to go to the city to the county to state and say this is what this community wants now the community has spoken.”
The groups were able to secure $200,000 through congressman Henry Cuellar in the 2010 Labor, Health and Education Appropriations bill to work on the study.
It is a lengthy and very detailed assessment that city leaders say outlines exactly what Laredo needs and gives them a good map to move forward.