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Pharr Mayor Declares Disaster and Public Health Emergency in Response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

by media | Mar 13, 2020 | Information, Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

Pharr, Texas – Following similar declarations of disaster by Texas State Governor Greg Abbott and President Donald J. Trump, this afternoon, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., issued a proclamation declaring a local state of disaster and public health emergency related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) for the City of Pharr effective March 13, 2020.

This Declaration of Disaster was made pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 and the Texas Government Code Section 418.108(a). The Texas Disaster Act of 1975 designates Mayor Hernandez as Emergency Management Director for the City of Pharr and allows him to authorize the use of all available resources to assist in the City’s response to the public health emergency related to COVID-19. By the declaration, Mayor Hernandez suspends rules or regulations that may inhibit or prevent prompt response to this threat for the duration of the incident. Further, the declaration activates the city’s emergency management plan.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 crisis is now a pandemic after it has infected nearly 120,000 people around the world and killed 4,300. City officials have determined that extraordinary and immediate measures must be taken to respond quickly, prevent and alleviate the suffering of people exposed to and those infected with the virus, as well as those that could potentially be impacted by COVID-19.

Read the Declaration of Disaster

City officials have been taking measures to mitigate the virus, including increasing community awareness providing information and methods for personal health and safety via social media and the City’s website. City leaders ensure the public that the City’s Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) plans are actively reviewed and updated to ensure that critical government services remain uninterrupted during this crisis.

As one of the measures set in place to assist residents during this disaster, the City of Pharr will not be shutting off water for non-payment during the duration of this crisis.

City officials urge and encourage all residents and families to remain vigilant, follow health and safety precautionary measures, and heed the advice of authorities to stay safe during this disaster.

El alcalde de Pharr declara desastre y emergencia de salud pública en respuesta a COVID-19

Pharr, Texas – Tras las declaraciones similares de desastre por el gobernador del estado de Texas Greg Abbott y el presidente Donald J. Trump, esta tarde, el alcalde de Pharr Ambrosio Hernández, MD, emitió una proclama que declara un estado local de desastre y emergencia de salud pública relacionada con COVID-19 (coronavirus) para la Ciudad de Pharr a partir del 13 de marzo de 2020.

Esta Declaración de Desastre se realizó de conformidad con la Ley de Desastres de Texas de 1975 y la Sección 418.108 (a) del Código del Gobierno de Texas. La Ley de Desastres de Texas de 1975 designa al Alcalde Hernández como Director de Manejo de Emergencias para la Ciudad de Pharr y le permite autorizar el uso de todos los recursos disponibles para ayudar en la respuesta de la Ciudad a la emergencia de salud pública relacionada con COVID-19. Mediante la declaración, el alcalde Hernández suspende las reglas o regulaciones que pueden inhibir o prevenir una pronta respuesta a esta amenaza durante la duración del incidente. Además, la declaración activa el plan de gestión de emergencias de la ciudad.

A principios de esta semana, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaró que la crisis de COVID-19 es ahora una pandemia después de haber infectado a casi 120,000 personas en todo el mundo y haber matado a 4,300. Los funcionarios de la ciudad han determinado que se deben tomar medidas extraordinarias e inmediatas para responder rápidamente, prevenir y aliviar el sufrimiento de las personas expuestas y las infectadas con el virus, así como aquellas que podrían verse afectadas por COVID-19.

Lea la declaración de desastre

Los funcionarios de la ciudad han estado tomando medidas para mitigar el virus, incluida una mayor conciencia de la comunidad que proporciona información y métodos para la salud y seguridad personal a través de las redes sociales y el sitio web de la ciudad. Los líderes de la ciudad aseguran al público que revisa y actualiza activamente los planes de Continuidad de Operaciones (COOP) y Continuidad de Gobierno (COG) para garantizar que los servicios críticos del gobierno permanezcan ininterrumpidos durante esta crisis.

Como una de las medidas establecidas para ayudar a los residentes durante este desastre, la Ciudad de Pharr no cerrará el agua por falta de pago durante la duración de esta crisis.

Los funcionarios de la ciudad instan y alientan a todos los residentes y familias a permanecer vigilantes, seguir las medidas de precaución de salud y seguridad y prestar atención a los consejos de las autoridades para mantenerse a salvo durante este desastre.

Pharr Hosts U.S. – Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group East Regional Meeting

by media | Mar 13, 2020 | Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020

Pharr, Texas – Pharr city officials welcomed a delegation of leaders from throughout the nation and Mexico today as hosts of the multi-agency United States – Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group (BBXG) East Regional Meeting which took place at the Pharr Events Center.

“The City of Pharr is very proud to have this meeting here in our great city,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. as he welcomed the delegation of leaders. “We represent one of many ports of entry across the Rio Grande Valley and the nation, from San Diego, California, down to South Padre Island, Texas,” he continued. “Our collective economies on both sides of the border rely on this important trade and commerce and today we are here to discuss how we can further streamline and improve our processes moving forward as we prepare to transition from NAFTA to USMCA,” he added. “Our borders serve as a bridge to humanity and unity, and as such, I am proud of the great work we are all doing on the U.S. and Mexican sides of the border to ensure that our economies and international trade continue to thrive,” said Hernandez.

Joining Mayor Hernandez in presenting Opening Remarks were Froylan Yescas Cedillo, Consul of Mexico to McAllen, Maki Esther Ortiz Domínguez, Mayor of Reynosa, Mario Chacon, Director General for North America, SRE, and Rebecca Daley, Border Affairs Coordinator, U.S. Department of State.

“I am proud to be part of these discussions among leaders of our binational bridges and border crossings,” said Dra. Maki Esther Ortiz Domínguez, Mayor of Reynosa. “We value these types of meetings and discussions as they help to strengthen business, trade, commerce, and relationships on both sides of the border,” she added. “These types of initiatives generate peace, provide economic development opportunities, education, and move our economies, businesses, and relationships forward, allowing us to prosper,” said Ortiz Dominguez. “The relationships we have cultivated amongst our borders are a model to the rest of the world of how to successfully coordinate, collaborate, and plan for our future together,” she stated.

“It’s amazing to see this type of relationship among two nations, we are more than neighbors, we are family and the truth is that something beautiful exists between our two countries, and that is our culture,” said Terry Canales, House Transportation Chairman, and Texas State Representative. “The economic impact with Mexico and what it does for the United States and Texas is immeasurable and we will continue to advocate for more resources, funding, and infrastructure to keep our bridges and border crossings thriving,” he said.

“Our U.S. – Mexico relationship is symbiotic and with the new USMCA agreement, we expect many new changes which will result in new economic opportunities, needed infrastructure upgrades, and continued collaboration amongst our countries and borders as we make the transition,” stated Froylan Yescas Cedillo, Consul of Mexico to McAllen. “Our economies rely on our trade, which is estimated at about $1 million a minute and we have a unique cooperative relationship which allows us to work together and prosper in unity,” he continued.

“Rather than divide us the border is what unites us and our combined efforts to improve our border infrastructure will ensure the flow of goods, services, and lawful travelers is efficient and to the benefit of both countries,” said Rebecca Daley, Border Affairs Coordinator with the U.S. Department of State. “Our trade relationship with Mexico continues to grow and in fact in 2019, Mexico became the largest goods trading partner for the United States with most crossing the border in trucks and trains,” added Daley. “Today, I look forward to discussing additional ways to streamline the flow of trade in the border region and to discussing ways our countries can work together to develop regular bidirectional cargo inspection facilities at various ports of entry,” she said.

“Our two countries stand to benefit greatly from USMCA,” emphasized Mario Chacon, Director General for North America, SRE. “Working together, we are able to pool our resources to expand our economic and trading opportunities,” he stated. “I look forward to our discussions today as we seek to improve the vitality of our international bridges and borders and thank all our colleagues here today who make up this amazing binational group focused on improving our future,” he added.

“It’s an honor to represent the City of Pharr and work hand-in-hand with the commission to make sure that we work in partnership to bring big projects that impact our international bridges and our borders to reality,” said Sergio Muñoz, Jr., House Appropriations Member, and Texas State Representative. “At the state level, I am proud to champion and advocate the importance of Pharr and the role it plays in our state and national economy,” he continued. “Our economy relies on the success of international trade at the borders which result in the exchange and flow of goods, commerce, jobs, produce, and products which impact our daily lives,” added Muñoz. “I look forward to today’s discussion and working with all our partners here to ensure a more prosperous and secure border as we transition to USMCA.”

“The Pharr International Bridge is proud to be a part of this amazing binational effort of our bridges and border crossings as we continue to make big investments and improvements to infrastructure in our region,” said Luis Bazan, Pharr International Bridge Director. “We have fostered innovative and collaborative partnerships with all our border partners on both sides of the border and by working together as one collective group, we have the ability to advocate for more resources, funding, and improvements to both our governments which will result in streamlining efforts,” he added.

The group, made up of leaders from the United States Department of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen, and officials from ten U.S. and Mexican border states meets three times a year to further joint initiatives that improve the efficiency of existing crossings and coordinate planning for new ones. Public presentations also included updates and discussions with over ten bridge personnel and directors from both sides of the border.

Pharr to Host U.S. – Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group Meeting on Thursday, March 12 @ 8 am

by media | Mar 12, 2020 | Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pharr, Texas – Pharr city leaders are proud to announce that they will be hosting the multi-agency United States – Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group (BBXG) East Regional Meeting in Pharr. The group, made up of leaders from the United States Department of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, and officials from ten U.S. and Mexican border states meets three times a year to further joint initiatives that improve the efficiency of existing crossings and coordinate planning for new ones.

The meeting will take place starting at 8 am on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577) with Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. welcoming leaders, members of the organization, and dignitaries to the event.

“Cross-border trade is at the heart of our thriving city and makes up the vibrant economy you see here in the Rio Grande Valley and across the border in our sister country of Mexico,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We are thrilled to have finally witnessed the passing of USMCA by Congress and President Trump’s swift signing of this vital legislation into law, so that we may all begin to plan for and begin to assume the new changes that it will enact,” he continued. “This meeting will allow us to further collaborate on joint initiatives that will improve the efficiency of existing crossings and coordinate planning for new ones, as well as allow us the opportunity to discuss the changes that we will need to implement across our respective states and countries to ensure a smooth transition from our former NAFTA Agreement,” he added.

Joining Mayor Hernandez in presenting Opening Remarks are Froylan Yescas Cedillo, Consul of Mexico, Mexican Consulate, McAllen, TX, Mario Chacon, Director General for North America, SRE, and Rebecca Daley, Border Affairs Coordinator, U.S. Department of State. Public presentations will also include updates and discussion with over ten bridge personnel and directors from throughout the border regions on both sides of the border.

All media and the public are invited to attend.

DETAILS
WHAT: U.S. – Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group (BBXG) East Regional Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 8:00 am
WHERE: Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)

Pharr City Report for 3/2/2020

by media | Mar 11, 2020 | Information, Media Releases

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:City Engineer’s Report: Update on Drainage Projects

Pharr City Engineer and Director Omar Anzaldua Jr. informed the City Commission that his department is coordinating with Public Works to begin drainage improvements throughout the city. The drainage system projects will consist of upgrades, widening, and making existing drainage deeper. “We are working on a plan of action and a timeline of when we can begin these projects. As soon as the timeline is confirmed and approved, the details will be made available to the public and posted on the city’s website,” said Anzaldua. Pharr Municipal Court Recognized

The Pharr Municipal Court was recently notified by the Texas Municipal Court Education Center and TxDOT that they have been selected for an award. This award recognizes the court’s hazards and risk model which promotes the city’s public safety, traffic education, and best practices. “Mayor and Commissioners, we are thrilled to be here with you today to tell you that the Pharr Municipal Court was selected as 1 of 22 recipients of a traffic safety initiative award out of 933 municipal courts in the State of Texas,” said Judge Marissa Carranza Hernandez. “We were also the only ones in the County of Hidalgo to be selected for this award, this is also the first time the City of Pharr Municipal Court is selected for this award,” she continued. Judge Carranza Hernandez and the Court Coordinator will be attending a conference in Austin on April 6, 2020, to present on what they are doing in Pharr as an example to other Municipal Courts throughout the state and will also be receiving their award at a banquet that evening.

City Hall Renovations: Payment Stations Now Available at the Pharr Development and Research Center in South Pharr

Interim City Manager Ed Wylie announced that with the renovations at Pharr City Hall underway, citizens are urged to make payments at stations set up throughout the city. A new payment station is now conveniently available at the Pharr Development and Research Center (850 W Dicker Rd, Pharr, TX 78577).

Featured Event: 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk – Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 8 am

The City of Pharr presents another family-friendly event for you, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk

Join us Saturday, March 14th, beginning at 8:00 AM at the PSJA Stadium (703 E. Sam Houston St. Pharr, Texas).

To register: visit https://endurancesplits.webconnex.com/14thannualst.patricksday or visit our Parks & Recreation office at 413 E. Clark Ave. Pharr, Texas

Prices:
Children: $5
Adults: $15

Pharr Hosts Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking for the Pharr Bridge Business Park Distribution Center

by media | Mar 5, 2020 | Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020

Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr leaders and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Pharr Bridge Business Park’s latest distribution center, PBBP2. At the same time, city leaders hosted a groundbreaking for PBBP3 at the adjacent site.

The Pharr Bridge Business Park (PBBP) is a 30-acre, master-planned industrial park with two existing 100,000 square foot class A facilities, and over 100,000 square feet of additional planned facilities. This premier development is located along the overweight corridor and less than 1.5 miles from the Pharr International Trade Bridge; the only international bridge with commercial traffic in the area. Southbound, PBBP offers direct access to Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, home to over four hundred manufacturing operations occupying over thirty million square feet of industrial real estate. Northbound, PBBP feeds into Highway 281/Cage Boulevard, transitioning into Interstate 69, one of the most efficient distribution corridors in the U.S.

This development offers flexible multi-tenant and build-to-suit layouts for distribution, warehousing, and light assembly users. With an emphasis on inefficient inventory management, PBBP delivers ease of C-TPAT compliance through fenced and secured truck courts for its clients.

Pharr business leaders celebrate the groundbreaking of Pharr Bridge Business Park 3.

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Pharr Mayor Declares Disaster and Public Health Emergency in Response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Pharr Hosts U.S. – Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group East Regional Meeting

Pharr to Host U.S. – Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group Meeting on Thursday, March 12 @ 8 am

Pharr City Report for 3/2/2020

Pharr Hosts Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking for the Pharr Bridge Business Park Distribution Center