City of Pharr Awarded $3.12 Million Texas A&M Forest Service Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr was selected to receive a $3.12 Million Texas A&M Forest Service Grant for Schoolyard Forests. This grant is part of a historic $15.4 million grant disbursement by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The City of Pharr is one of 22 Texas cities, neighborhoods, non-profit organizations, and schools to receive a grant. The grants will directly fund recipients’ tree planting, maintenance, and community forestry planning and education efforts as part of their larger, unique urban forestry solution campaigns.
Additionally, the program places a strong emphasis on increasing schoolyard tree canopy coverage by 30% to create accessible community treescapes.
“We are ecstatic to be recipients of this grant and look forward to partnering with PSJA ISD to increase schoolyard tree canopy coverage, which will not only create healthier more sustainable environments but help improve the quality of life for out students,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
See the full Press Release from Texas A&M Forest Service below (Courtesy Forward):
NEWSROOM: TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE AWARDS HISTORIC $15.4 MILLION THROUGH FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2024
Texas A&M Forest Service awards historic $15.4 million through forestry grant program
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Twenty-two Texas cities, neighborhoods, non-profit organizations and schools received grant funding through the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants Program, totaling $15.4 million.
The grants will directly fund recipients’ tree planting, maintenance and community forestry planning and education efforts as part of their larger, unique urban forestry solution campaigns. The program also places a key emphasis on increasing schoolyard tree canopy coverage to 30% of a school’s campus to create accessible community treescapes.
“We are overjoyed with the number of communities receiving grants this year,” said Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Systems Department Head. “We received many wonderful grant applications that meet several urban forestry needs. Beyond applications, organizations and communities across the state expressed interest in learning more about how to advance community forestry. These applications are a testament to the demand for a program such as this.”
The goal of the Community Forestry Grants program is to build healthier urban and community forests throughout the state which are essential for the economic, environmental, physical and mental well-being of all Texans. The strategy of these grants is to spearhead local programs across the state in addressing nature-based solutions to issues facing communities today.
“The impact that trees have on our mental and physical health is astounding,” said Riley. “Coordinating with schools across the state to focus efforts on increasing tree coverage at schools will positively impact the mental and physical health of students as well as provide them with hands-on forestry education and appreciation.”
The 2024 Community Forestry Grants Program awarded grants for eight categories.
Awarded in the category of climate resiliency was Ecology Action of Texas, Austin, $50,000.
Awarded in the category of geospatial analysis was Texas Trees Foundation, Dallas, for a statewide project, $550,000.
Awarded in the category of human health equity and accessibility was city of Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department, $50,000.
Awarded in the category of municipal forester was city of Duncanville, $100,000.
Awarded in the category of schoolyard forests was city of McAllen, $2,730,000; city of Pharr, $3,120,000; Rio Grande International Study Center, Laredo, $3,120,000; and Texas Trees Foundation, Dallas, for projects in Donna and Mercedes, $5,460,000.
Awarded in the category of Tree City USA was city of Ennis Parks and Recreation, $10,000; city of Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department, $10,000; and town of Flower Mound, $10,000.
Awarded in the tree planting category was Alief Super Neighborhood Council #25, Houston, $20,000; city of Denton, $20,000; city of Kaufman, $16,200; city of Laredo Environmental Services, $16,000; city of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department, $15,000; city of North Richland Hills, $20,000; city of Socorro, $14,374; Eco El Paso, LLC, El Paso, $20,000; and Lubbock Memorial Arboretum Foundation Inc, Lubbock, $20,000.
As a bonus award, due to previous unallocated funding and the applicant’s unique landscape scale solution proposal, a project partnership between Texas Tech University, city of Lubbock and Heart of Lubbock Neighborhood Association, Lubbock, was awarded $50,000.
Grant recipients will receive funding and begin their initiatives in June 2024.
The Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants program was established in 2022 to address Texas communities’ needs for urban forestry investment. Previous recipients of this grant include City of College Station and Bexar Branches Alliance, a San Antonio non-profit.
Funding for the grants program is provided through federal and state funding and was significantly increased from $100,000 in 2022 to $16.65 million in 2023, in part due to the USDA Forest Service and the Inflation Reduction Act.
“These grants are critical to communities and organizations throughout the state in continuing proactive forestry practices,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “By investing in our communities today, we are ensuring healthy forests and communities for all to benefit from.”
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Contacts:
Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Systems Department Head, (979) 458-6663, [email protected]
Kate Faris, Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants Specialist, (979) 458-6630, [email protected]
Texas A&M Forest Service Communications, (979) 458-6606, [email protected]
City of Pharr Introduces Cutting-Edge Video to 9-1-1 Service Powered by Carbyne
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr proudly unveiled its latest advancement in emergency response technology with the launch of the Video to 9-1-1 service, developed in collaboration with Carbyne. As the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, this innovative software provides an unparalleled level of support to individuals in distress.
The Video to 9-1-1 service is designed to complement traditional emergency protocols by offering callers the ability to transmit live video footage directly from their cellphones to dispatchers. Any cellphone equipped with a camera will be able to use this service. Upon initiating a call, individuals will receive a secure link granting access to their cellphone camera, enabling dispatchers to assess the situation in real-time and relay critical information to first responders traveling to the scene.
Funded by the City of Pharr‘s general fund, the implementation of this software represents an investment of $49,900.
“We’re always looking at new ways to progress the city and provide residents with a better quality of life, and a safer community,” Director of Public Safety Communications Kenneth Ennis said. “We’re able to provide a better outcome for them when they have their emergencies,” Ennis added.
Following a period of soft launch on May 1st, during which the software underwent rigorous trials and testing, the official launch occurred on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
A video explaining how the software works can be found below:
City of Pharr Launches Internship Program, Pharr Initiative Offers High School and College Students Hands-On Municipal Experience
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to announce the launch of the Pharr Initiative, a dynamic 4-week internship program designed to provide high school juniors and seniors as well as college freshmen and sophomores with an immersive experience in municipal operations.
This internship offers an unparalleled opportunity for individuals to explore their interests, gain hands-on experience, and forge connections within local government.
“We are proud to announce the launch of this initiative aimed at providing high school and college students with invaluable hands-on experience in municipal governance,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. He continued, “This program reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in public service while empowering young minds, cultivating talent, and creating pathways for success, as we simultaneously advance the goals and priorities of our vibrant city.”
Participants will have the chance to work across a range of city departments, including but not limited to administration, public works, human resources, media, IT, and more.
Internships begin in late May and will run through early August and are unpaid.
The city’s own podcast, Pharr Cast, discusses the program in-depth with City Manager Dr. Jonathan Flores who explains the importance of the internships and their benefit to students.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, City of Pharr, City of Peñitas, and Angels of Love to Announce Millions in Funding at Press Conference on Wed., 5/29 @ 9:30 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, City of Peñitas, and Angels of Love will hold a joint press conference with Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz to announce $7.3 million in funding for projects across all three organizations.
The press conference will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, beginning at 9:30 AM at the Pharr ONE Building located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577.
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Pharr City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, Peñitas Mayor Ramiro Loya, and Angels of Love President Della Fay Perez-Rodriguez will serve as speakers.
Media is invited to attend and should RSVP with Ryan Saylor at [email protected].
DETAILS:
WHAT: Press Conference Announcing $7.3 Million in Funding for Projects for City of Pharr, City of Peñitas, and Angels of Love WHEN: Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 9:30 AM WHERE: Pharr ONE Building (1121 E. Nolana Loop Pharr, TX 78577)
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
City of Pharr Invites Community to Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, Mon. 5/27 @ 9 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr cordially invites the community to join us for our annual Memorial Day Ceremony, as we gather to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding our nation’s freedom.
The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 27, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM at Memorial Park, located at 501 W Egly Ave in Pharr.
“We invite the community to join us for our annual Memorial Day Ceremony as we gather in solemn tribute to honor the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the ideals they bravely defended while honoring their legacies which continue to inspire us,” he added.
This occasion provides an opportunity for us to come together as a community, reflect, and pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our country.
The public and media are invited to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there as we honor and remember our fallen heroes.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Memorial Day Ceremony
WHEN: Monday, May 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM
WHERE: Memorial Park (501 W Egly Ave, Pharr, TX 78577)
