Cuellar responds to Walker family's criticism over Talise remarks
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and the Walker family are in a dispute over remarks Cuellar made regarding the Talise development in Laredo, Texas. Cuellar stated his criticism was aimed at the project's previously proposed data center and its potential impact on water resources, not the family's efforts to expand water service to colonias. The Walker family accused Cuellar of making false claims, asserting that the data center element was included in their plans without their knowledge and has since been removed.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar is embroiled in a public dispute with the Walker family, developers of the $7 billion Talise multi-use project in Laredo, Texas. The contention arose after Kandy Walker, chair of the family's development interests, accused Cuellar of making "false claims" during a July 31 press conference. Cuellar clarified that his remarks were directed at Talise's previously proposed data center and its potential to divert water from local colonias, not the family's efforts to expand water service.
Cuellar's original comments at the press conference urged local officials to prioritize residents and colonias over future industrial projects like data centers when allocating water resources. Walker responded with a strong statement defending her family's reputation and Talise's mission, emphasizing their commitment to Webb County and bringing water to underserved communities. She characterized Cuellar's statements as "intentional misinformation" and an "insult."
Addressing the data center specifically, Cuellar noted that Talise's master plan and presentations to the Webb County Commissioners Court previously included a data center before the project shifted its focus to aviation. Conversely, Connolly, representing the Walker family, acknowledged the data center's presence on an earlier master plan but stated it was included without Ms. Walker's knowledge or approval. He asserted that Walker immediately ordered its removal and notified city and county officials of the error.
Despite the debate, city and county officials confirm no formal application for a data center has been submitted in Laredo or Webb County. The Laredo City Council has, however, directed staff to develop a regulatory framework for future high-resource industries. The Walker family considers the issue resolved and remains focused on the Talise development and water initiatives, reiterating their non-involvement in political narratives.