The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, August 20, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims September 27th as Pan American Round Table of Alamo-San Juan-Pharr Day
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring September 27, 2024, as Pan American Round Table of Alamo-San Juan-Pharr Day. This special day commemorates the first organized meeting of the Pan American Round Table of Alamo-San Juan-Pharr, which took place on September 27, 1949, at the San Juan Methodist Church, with Mrs. J. S. Row of Alamo serving as the Director. During this inaugural meeting, the new Table received its first set of flags representing the Pan American countries as a gift from the McAllen Table, along with a gavel from the Reynosa Table. The Pan American Round Table has since become a beacon of friendship and understanding among the peoples of the Americas, promoting knowledge and providing scholarships to graduating seniors from the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. With a steadfast commitment to their motto, “One for All – All for One,” the organization has fostered unity and cooperation, hosting state conventions and annual Pan American Observance Day luncheons with members from across Texas and the Western Hemisphere. Maria de Los Angeles Garcia, Table Director, and Gloria Cantu, Associate Director, accepted the proclamation. “We are celebrating our 75th anniversary, and are proud to be a part of this vibrant community, focusing our efforts on helping others and making a difference,” said Garcia. “Our organization is focused on providing scholarships to students at all PSJA High Schools and completing annual projects focused on helping others,” she added. This proclamation honors the enduring legacy and significant contributions of the Pan American Round Table to the community.
Pharr Public Utilities Recognized for Earning Prestigious “Water Systems Helping Water Systems” Award
The City of Pharr proudly recognized Pharr Public Utilities for earning the prestigious “Water Systems Helping Water Systems” Award by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for the second year. This distinguished award honors public water systems that go above and beyond in assisting other water systems, ensuring compliance, and maintaining high environmental quality standards. Pharr Public Utilities was one of only two organizations to receive this recognition this year, a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and community support. Special acknowledgment was given to Ruben Rosales, Public Utilities Director; Jesse Trejo, Superintendent of Operations; and Manuel Ponce, Supervisor for the Water Plant, for their outstanding leadership and dedication. “It is truly gratifying to see our departments making a significant impact by assisting other systems in our region,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Together, we are enhancing the quality of services provided to the communities we serve. Congratulations to the entire team on this well-deserved award!”
Pharr Sales Tax Continues Positive Growth
Pharr City Manager, Dr. Jonathan Flores, announced a notable increase in Pharr’s sales tax revenue, with a 2.96% Year-To-Date (YTD) true growth compared to last YTD July 2024, and a remarkable 7.94% increase compared to July 2023 payments. This growth underscores Pharr’s robust economic development.
Mario Lizcano Reappointed to the Civil Service Commission
The Pharr City Commission reappointed Mario Lizcano to serve another 3-year term on the Civil Service Commission.
Pharr Proposes 2024 Tax Rate with Public Hearing Scheduled
The City of Pharr has proposed a tax rate of $0.7676 per $100 valuation for the 2024 tax year, which is the same as last year’s rate (no new rate increase). A public hearing, as required per law, will be held on September 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Pharr City Hall.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, August 5, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Recognizes Pharr PD Officers for Earning Competition Awards
The City of Pharr and Police Chief Juan Gonzalez recognized officers of the Pharr Police Department who recently won awards at professional competitions. First to be recognized was Sergeant Guerra, supervisor for the Tactical Response (SWAT) Team, who earned the overall Top Swat Operator Award from all participants, which included local and federal personnel. This is his third year in a row earning the award. Sergeant Guerra and his team of five officers from the Tactical Team participated in the training skills competition which took place in the City of Brownsville. The competition is geared to challenge team skills, strength and endurance, weapons proficiency, decision-making, and teamwork. “I would like to congratulate our Tactical Team and Sergeant Guerra for doing an outstanding job and highlighting the proficiency of our Pharr PD personnel,” said Chief Gonzalez. Next, Chief Gonzalez recognized K-9 Handler Emilio Gonzalez and his K-9, Storm, for their participation in a K-9 competition where K-9 officers from all over the State of Texas, including some from Mexico, showcased their skills. They won the overall 1st Place as the Top Explosive K-9 at this year’s competition. Storm and Officer Gonzalez are always behind the scenes before large gatherings and special events, working to detect a variety of explosive materials. “Storm and Officer Gonzalez play an important role in our comprehensive preventative security measures,” said Chief Gonzalez. “We congratulate them on this outstanding award and all our officers for continuing to represent our Pharr PD team,” he added.
Featured Events:
Press Conference for Avocado Festival – Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 2 PM
Avocado Festival – Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 2 PM to 11 PM
Get ready for the most epic event of the year in the RGV! The City of Pharr’s Avocado Festival 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s going to be unforgettable. Stay tuned as we unveil thrilling surprises, an incredible artist lineup, exciting event announcements, and so much more. Don’t miss out—join us and our amazing partners, the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and Pharr Economic Development Corporation, for a festival like no other!
Badge the Youth Academy – 10 Week Program – Starts on September 4th
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Pharr Public Works to Host Annual House Hazardous Waste Event on Tue., 8/20 @ 8 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Public Works Department invites residents to dispose of house hazardous waste properly at the Recycling Service Center.
This annual event takes place on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Recycling Service Center (1015 E. Ferguson Ave.)
Items accepted include paint, batteries, pesticides, pool chemicals, and cleaners.
Proof of residency will be required to dispose. Acceptable documents are water bills and/or driver’s license. No commercial or business waste will be accepted.
For more information, contact our Recycling Service Center at (956) 402-4350.
Pharr residents and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Annual House Hazardous Waste Event
WHEN: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 8 AM to 5 PM
WHERE: Recycling Service Center (1015 E. Ferguson Ave.)
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Chairman Terry Canales to Host Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium with Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and the Texas Water Foundation in Pharr on Tue., 8/20 @ 9 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024
Pharr, Texas – State Representative and Chairman Terry Canales, in collaboration with Finance Vice-Chairman Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, the Texas Water Foundation, and the City of Pharr, is proud to announce he is hosting the Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium. The symposium will bring together key leaders and experts to discuss the pressing water issues facing the Deep South Texas region.
This important event will take place on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Jose “Pepe” Salinas Recreation Center (1101 W. Kelly Ave.) in Pharr.
Water issues have been at the forefront of concerns impacting the region, influencing everything from the local economy and jobs to public health and future growth. As the backbone of agriculture, industry, and daily life, water resources are essential to the prosperity and sustainability of the community. These discussions are crucial to helping start the conversation and plan a collaborative plan of action for a resilient future where water resources are protected and efficiently managed for generations to come.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from elected officials, industry experts, and stakeholders on the state of water resources, conservation efforts, and future water sustainability initiatives. Special guests include Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, and Senator Morgan LaMantia.
Media representatives are encouraged to RSVP by scanning the QR code on the invitation flyer.
DETAILS
WHAT: Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium
WHEN: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 9:00 AM
WHERE: Jose “Pepe” Salinas Recreation Center (1101 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr EDC and UTRGV to Host Grand Opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub on Thu., 8/15 at 10 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) are excited to invite the community to the Grand Opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub, their new “One-Stop” Business Development & Resource Center. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a pivotal hub for business development, specializing in international business.
The grand opening event will take place on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM at 301 S. Cage Boulevard in Pharr.
The new center is designed to support and foster business growth through a variety of programs and services, including the Global Soft-Landing Program, business advisement, Kauffman Fast Track Cohorts, access to the Small Business Development Center, and professional education and workforce development programming, among many other resources.
“This innovative and first-of-its-kind center in the City of Pharr represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support economic growth and global business development,” said Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr EDC. “Our collaboration with UTRGV ensures that we are providing the highest quality resources and education to our business and entrepreneurial community,” he added. “This center will be a beacon of opportunity for local and international businesses alike.”
The center will also feature a range of professional education and workforce development programming, aimed at equipping local businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
“UTRGV is excited about this new partnership with Pharr EDC and thanks the EDC for opening this ‘One-Stop’ Business Development and Resource Center,” said Veronica Gonzales, Senior Vice President for Governmental and Community Relations. She added, “Pharr’s international bridge makes Pharr a prime location for international companies to lay down roots and for local companies with international ties to locate and expand. UTRGV looks forward to lending its expertise to both local and international businesses which, in turn, will produce dividends not only to Pharr, but the entire region.”
The collaboration with UTRGV underscores Pharr’s commitment to leveraging partnerships and enhancing global business development opportunities for the region.
DETAILS
WHAT: Grand Opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub
WHEN: Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 10 AM
WHERE: 301 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr, Texas 78577
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony for Bridge Expansion and DAP 16 Project on Wed., 8/14 @ 11 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, in collaboration with the Pharr International Bridge, is thrilled to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the monumental Bridge Expansion and DAP 16 Project. This event marks the beginning of an estimated $44 million construction initiative spearheaded by the City of Pharr, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, Texas 78577).
The Bridge Expansion and DAP 16 Project will significantly enhance the region’s trade infrastructure, marking a new era in international commerce through the Pharr International Bridge.
The Kika de la Garza Land Port of Entry (LPOE), connected to the Pharr International Bridge—the third-largest trade hub with Mexico in Texas and the seventh-largest land port of entry in the United States—will receive nearly 77,000 square feet of additional space through the Donations Acceptance Program (DAP). This extensive upgrade is crucial for addressing the growing demands of border management by integrating customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection into a coordinated system.
With the bridge handling 65% of the nation’s produce from Mexico and facilitating over $47 billion in annual trade, these enhancements will significantly benefit the City of Pharr, the State of Texas, and the nation, ensuring the infrastructure meets the increasing needs of international commerce.
The DAP 16 Project, initially proposed in 2016, represents a major expansion effort that has been in the planning and development stage for years and includes:
Dock Expansion – Phase I (Dry Dock): This expansion will increase the dry dock area to accommodate 12 additional trucks for intensive inspections. Designed to handle both non-refrigerated agricultural goods and non-agricultural commercial products, this expansion will be carried out in phases to avoid disrupting current operations. The expansion will extend the dock depth from 50 to 80 feet, optimizing the space to allow each truck to use a single dock, improving efficiency.
Dock Expansion – Phase II (Cold Inspection Facility): To meet the rising demand for produce shipments, this phase introduces a new cold inspection facility with 13 dock spaces and 21,000 square feet of refrigerated units. The facility will maintain the cold chain throughout the inspection process, ensuring that perishable goods retain their freshness and shelf life.
Regional Agricultural Laboratory & Training Center: The new 8,000-square-foot facility will be adjacent to the expanded dock and cold inspection areas. It will serve as a fully-equipped laboratory and training center for agriculture specialists, entomologists, and insect identifiers. This center will speed up the identification of pests and diseases, allowing trucks to move through the inspection process more quickly, thus reducing delays.
In addition to the DAP 16 Project, the City of Pharr and Pharr International Bridge are also embarking on a major Bridge Expansion Project, which will double the capacity of the bridge. A new ‘twin span’ will be constructed parallel to the existing bridge, adding four lanes and a sidewalk. This expansion will feature two crossovers, enhanced lighting, and electronic signage, all aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing wait times, and enhancing safety. The additional lanes will also allow for better traffic management, especially in cases of accidents or mechanical breakdowns.
The bridge expansion will facilitate the seamless transition from four to six northbound lanes, optimizing the separation of different types of traffic, including FAST, non-FAST, and empty trucks on the commercial side, as well as SENTRI, Ready Lane, and other vehicles on the passenger side. The City of Pharr is closely coordinating with CBP and GSA to ensure the new span supports federal operations at the Port of Entry.
“This groundbreaking signifies a major step forward in the evolution of the Pharr International Bridge,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The DAP 16 Project and the Bridge Expansion will not only increase our capacity but will also improve the efficiency and safety of international trade through our region,” he continued. “Our collaboration with our partners on the Mexican side of the bridge and federal agencies ensures that these enhancements will support the growing demands of international commerce while maintaining the highest standards of security and service,” added Hernandez.
The City of Pharr and the Pharr International Bridge are proud to host this momentous occasion, celebrating progress and innovation in the region’s trade infrastructure. The Pharr International Bridge continues to undergo pivotal upgrades as city and bridge leaders invest in enhancing bridge operations, efficiency, and infrastructure improvements.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Groundbreaking Ceremony for Bridge Expansion and DAP 16 Project
WHEN: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11 AM
WHERE: Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
