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)
Pharr Public Works – Annual – House Hazardous Waste Event,
Don’t miss this opportunity to dispose of your hazardous waste safely and properly.
Tuesday August 20th 8Am – 5PM
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 272-9803 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Concludes Operation Slowdown In Partnership With TXDOT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department has concluded the Operation Slowdown initiative in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).
The initiative aims to deter speeding and speeding accidents in the roads of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley. Speeding remains a major cause of numerous tragic incidents on Texas roads, affecting countless lives.
Safe driving is an ongoing commitment that requires constant vigilance and dedication. Although this initiative has come to an end, let us all strive to be cautious, patient, and mindful of posted speed limits to ensure the safety of ourselves, our loved ones, and fellow travelers.
The Pharr Police Department is committed to keeping our roads safe by combating speeding, driving under the influence, and all other traffic safety laws.
We’d like to thank TXDOT and the participating law enforcement agencies for their efforts in keeping our roadways safe.
City of Pharr Celebrates $20 Million Allocation for Bridge Expansion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024
Pharr, Texas – In a major step forward for infrastructure enhancement and economic growth, the City of Pharr celebrated the allocation of $20 million for the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge. This significant funding was made possible by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and Texas State Representative Terry Canales, Chairman of the Transportation Committee.
Senator Hinojosa and Chairman Canales championed legislation, during the 88th Texas Legislative Session, that secured $20 million from the state budget to be directed to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which in turn allocated the money to the City of Pharr. This funding is designated for building a second span of the Pharr International Bridge, a crucial infrastructure initiative for the city.
The City of Pharr expressed its profound gratitude for the unwavering support from Senator Hinojosa, Representative Canales, the Texas Legislature, and TxDOT in advancing this critical expansion.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., underscored the significance of this funding, stating, “This $20 million allocation represents a monumental investment in the future of Pharr. The expansion of the Pharr International Bridge will not only accommodate the increasing volumes of trade but will also ensure the efficient movement of goods.” He added, “This project is a testament to our commitment to fostering economic growth and improving infrastructure for the betterment of our community and beyond.”
As the third-largest port in Texas for trade with Mexico, and the seventh-largest and fastest-growing land port of entry nationwide, the Pharr International Bridge is a pivotal hub for commerce. It facilitates 65% of the nation’s produce imports from Mexico and handles over $47 billion in annual trade. The bridge plays a crucial role in driving the economic engine of Pharr, benefiting the entire region, state, and nation.
“The City of Pharr and its bridge is one of the key bridges and the number one trading partner with the State of Texas and Mexico in terms of vegetables and fruits, so we need to make sure that we increase capacity,” said Senator Hinojosa. “Working together, Chairman Canales and I were able to secure an additional $20 million to help make this project a reality,” he added.
The expansion of the Pharr International Bridge is essential to manage the increasing volumes of trade and to ensure the smooth and efficient movement of goods from Mexico. This project highlights Pharr’s dedication to infrastructure development that fosters economic prosperity by boosting trade and connectivity. The project is expected to be completed at end of 2025.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 272-9803 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Invites Community to Annual Pharr Night Out on Tue., 8/6 @ 6 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is proud to take part in the National Night Out initiative and host Pharr Night Out.
National Night Out is a yearly campaign aimed at fostering relationships between police departments and the community while also making local neighborhoods safer.
This event will be filled with music, market vendors, food, family fun and FREE ADMISSION!
Pharr Night Out takes place on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6 PM to 10 PM at the Pharr Town Center (500 N Jackson Rd.)
The Pharr Police Department is excited to continue this tradition and welcome Pharr residents and surrounding communities to this event.
For more information about Pharr Night Out, please contact Officer David Trevino at (956) 856-4625.
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Pharr Night Out
WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6 PM to 10 PM
WHERE: Pharr Town Center (500 N Jackson Rd., Pharr, TX 78577)
CONTACT: Officer David Trevino – (956) 856-4625
