CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE 3-19-2020

by media | Mar 20, 2020 | Information, Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

Pharr, Texas – Amid the rapidly-evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Pharr and Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., will be providing regular updates to keep the media and the public informed as information develops. City officials urge media outlets to please share with their respective reading/viewing/listening audiences. Governor Abbot Issues Executive Orders Texas Governor Greg Abbott today issued a series of Executive Orders relating to COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation. According to a news release from Governor Abbott’s office, the four orders serve to limit public gatherings and help reduce exposure for people across the state. These orders are in accordance with federal guidelines issued by the President and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will aid in the state’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.  Order No. 1: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people. Order No. 2: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order. Order No. 3: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Order No. 4: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall temporarily close.”As a medical professional, I am glad to see our state leaders understanding the devastating and widespread impact this pandemic can potentially have, and implementing the necessary measures that it’s going to take to save lives,” said Mayor Hernandez. “These orders follow the guidance given by the CDC to help curb the spread of this disease, and we must all do what we can to help minimize the impact on our citizens,” Hernandez continued. With these orders, city officials will work accordingly to adjust any city operations and services as necessary and will keep the public informed.

Mayor Hernandez Meets with Pharr Area School District Leaders to Update on COVID-19 and Coordinate Planning Efforts

As the President has declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) a National Emergency, triggering reimbursable relief to be available to the nation’s cities to combat and mitigate the risk of the coronavirus and its impact on the health, safety, and wellbeing of local residents, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. invited local Pharr area public, private and charter school district leaders to a meeting this morning at City hall to discuss the districts’ plans for continuity of instruction and caring for the health and nutritional needs of students during this crisis. School districts invited to the meeting included Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, Hidalgo Independent School District, Valley View Independent School District, Vanguard Academy, IDEA Public Schools and The Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School System. Mayor Hernandez, along with city staff, discussed with the school leaders various topics related to the coronavirus response, including the city’s disaster declaration, school and student safety, emergency protocols, disaster reimbursement that may be available through the city, and to answer and address any questions or concerns the school leaders had in regard to the city’s response to the coronavirus situation. In attendance were Valley View ISD Board Trustees Anthony Pinal and Efrain Perez, Hidalgo ISD Superintendent Xavier Salinas, IDEA Public Schools President and Superintendent JoAnn Gama, Vanguard Academy Superintendent Dr. Narciso Garcia, and Oratory Director Izkra Diaz. The City of Pharr and Mayor Hernandez remain committed to providing guidance and support to all school district officials, students, and families during this challenging time, and will continue to share resources and information to ensure everyone is informed and aware to protect the health and safety of our community and our families.

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Pharr City Report Update (March 16th)

by media | Mar 18, 2020 | Media Releases

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, March 16, 2020, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights: Senator Lucio Discusses COVID-19 with Commission

“I am proud to join with you in putting our community first and applaud your leadership and that of the Pharr City Commission for your proactive response to the seriousness of COVID-19 (coronavirus),” said Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. “Our state leaders, including myself, have been working around the clock with the Governor, the President, and our state health leaders to ensure that our state and our country are preparing as is necessary,” he continued. “We are all worried about the impact this will have on our community and economy, but I know that by working together and heeding the warnings and taking the necessary steps to stay safe, we will get through this,” added Lucio.  City and Pharr Area School Districts Announce COVID-19 Plans and Mitigation Measures Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. announced the city’s collaboration and plan of action with local school districts in preparation for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Leaders from school districts throughout Pharr including Xavier Salinas, Superintendent of Hidalgo ISD, Dr. Narcisco Garcia, Superintendent of Vanguard Academy and Jorge Palacios, PSJA ISD School Board President addressed the commission. Mayor Hernandez also announced that the city is working closely with Valley View ISD and IDEA Public Schools. “We know that the school districts are already taking proactive measures to limit the contact among students which would accelerate the spread of the virus,” Hernandez said. “We are very appreciative that you all have the foresight to extend the amount of time that students will be out and also for agreeing with the City of Pharr in how we are approaching this very serious health issue,” he added. “The City of Pharr in collaboration with the five school districts will be extending the amount of time that children will not be in school for the next two weeks and if it is necessary to do so to minimize the spread of the virus, we will extend for more time as needed,” Hernandez continued. “No child will attend school in the City of Pharr until this is under control and we thank each of our school partners for working together with us as we aim to protect our students and our citizens,” he stated. “Education is a priority and the City of Pharr will work with all our school districts to help provided needed resources to ensure the success of our students,” he said.  Xavier Salinas, Superintendent of Hidalgo ISD stated, “I just want to say thank you, mayor and commissioners, for your foresight and working with us to make our kids and communities safer.” “Thank you so much for partnering with Vanguard Academy,” stated Dr. Narcisco Garcia, Superintendent of Vanguard Academy. “As of this morning, we have ordered more hotspots and tablets, so that we can be prepared and ensure that every student has a device, should we need to further extend the time our students remain learning from home,” added. Garcia. “On behalf of PSJA ISD, we thank you, Mayor and Commissioners, for what you’ve done,” said Jorge Palacios, PSJA ISD School Board President. “We have been working on a plan to make sure that we have the necessary tools for our students to be successful in case something like this did occur and we know that the city is just as concerned and focused on helping us remain safe, secure, and prepared,” continued Palacios. “Another priority we have worked on is making sure that our students will still have access to meals so that no child will go without meals during this time and I thank each of you in your respective districts for working to make this a priority,” said Hernandez. “The city will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information and developments become available,” he added.  Commission Approves Guidelines and Framework for Neighborhood Empowerment Zone/Business Improvement District The Pharr City Commission approved an Ordinance setting guidelines and framework for Neighborhood Empowerment Zone/Business Improvement District 2020-01. Pharr Ratifies Resolution Declaring a Disaster and Public Health Emergency Amid COVID-19 Mayor Hernandez and City Commissioners ratified a Resolution declaring a disaster and public health emergency in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Pursuant to Section 418.108(d) of the Government Code, this declaration activates the city emergency management plan. Pursuant to Section 418.020(c) of the Government Code, this declaration authorizes the city to commandeer or use any private property, temporarily acquire, by lease or other means, sites required for temporary housing units or emergency shelters for evacuees, subject to compensation requirements. Pursuant to Section 122.006 of the Health and Safety Code, this declaration authorizes the City to take any actions necessary to promote health and suppress disease, including quarantine, and regulating hospitals, regulating ingress and egress from the City, and fining those who do not comply with the City’s rules. This Declaration of Disaster was made pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 and the Texas Government Code Section 418.108(a).  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.  City of Pharr Postpones All City-Sponsored Events After much consideration and understanding of the most recent federal government-mandated guidelines and recommendations from the CDC and Surgeon General, the Pharr City Commission has decided to postpone or reschedule public gatherings and will instead resort to conduct virtual-based city events instead of in-person where possible through May of 2020. In efforts to limit the possible spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Pharr has elected to forgo our traditional mass gathering events. Events such as St, Patrick’s Day 5k, Easter-egg Hunt and our annual Hub Phestival have all been rescheduled, but they will return bigger and better once it is safe to do so.

Pharr Mayor Issues Update Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

by media | Mar 16, 2020 | Information, Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020 Pharr, Texas – At the City of Pharr Regular Commission Meeting scheduled for today, Monday, March 16, 2020, at 4:00 pm, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. will provide an update to Pharr residents regarding corona virus (COVID-19), its impact on our community, and the actions, measures, and recommended guidelines for the public to keep our families safe. Below, please find his remarks for the general public, the education community, and the business community in Pharr. TO PHARR RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES As we begin navigating a new “normalcy” during these times of uncertainty, it is important to remain calm and exercise personal responsibility to care for ourselves, our families, and our community. In Pharr, we have armed ourselves with as much factual information as possible to learn about Corona virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its impact on our community and our lives.  First and foremost, the health, safety, and well being of our residents and families remain our utmost priority.  Our focus has been on raising awareness, sharing factual data and information, and educating our residents on important measures to best prepare to deal with this outbreak. We are remaining in close contact with our local health authorities and doing what we can to ensure accurate and timely information is disseminated to the general public and that our residents are heeding the sound professional advice of authorities.  Our Pharr residents, surrounding Rio Grande Valley community, business partners, and education community remain the focal point of all of our planning and decision-making. We issue this update regarding our actions as of today, Monday, March 16, 2020. This situation is dynamic and fast-changing,  and we will adjust our actions to best serve our Pharr residents and families.  We are closely monitoring the latest developments and following the guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines and recommendations on its website (www.CDC.gov) remain the most comprehensive and reliable source of information that the public can refer to in order to help prevent the spread of the virus.  WHAT THE CITY OF PHARR HAS DONE Declaration of Disaster and Public Health Emergency On Friday, March 13, 2020, I issued a Declaration of Disaster and Public Health Emergency. This allows for 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, the City suspends rules or regulations that may inhibit or prevent prompt response to this threat for the duration of the incident. Increased Community Awareness We have increased community awareness with social media posts providing viable protection methods against COVID-19. To further public awareness, the city has added a page to our website labeled “Preventing COVID-19 in Pharr” devoted to information and resources to keep you and your families informed. For more information, visit https://old.pharr-tx.com/covid-19/ or via the Pharr 3-1-1 app. Postponing of City-Sponsored Events After much consideration and understanding of the most recent federal government-mandated guidelines and recommendations from the CDC and Surgeon General, the Pharr City Commission has decided to postpone or reschedule public gatherings and will instead resort to conduct virtual-based city events instead of in-person where possible through May of 2020. In efforts to limit the possible spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Pharr has elected to forgo our traditional mass gathering events. Events such as St, Patrick’s Day 5k, Easter-egg Hunt and our annual Hub Phestival have all been rescheduled, but they will return bigger and better once it is safe to do so. Mitigation Measures We have taken several active mitigation measures to help you feel confident about your health and safety while you are in our facilities. We have significantly enhanced our cleaning and sanitation efforts in all city facilities.  Touch points such as doors, payment stations, computers, etc., are wiped down and cleaned several times a day with a CDC-approved disinfectant solution. Additionally, we have provided alcohol-based hand sanitizer gels in several city buildings. Finally, we have provided increased hygiene signage at all our public city facilities to remind the public to practice good hygiene, practice social distancing and rigorous hand washing. All publications we provide are in both English and Spanish. Ensuring Continuity of Government Operations To ensure that critical governmental service stays uninterrupted we have and continue to actively review and update our Continuity of Operations (COOP) and our Continuity of Government Plans (COG).  These two plans are the backbone of government planning and address emergencies from an all-hazards approach and establish policy and guidance that ensure government functions continue for its citizens and that personnel and resources are allocated and relocated appropriately. In addition, we have temporarily modified our sick leave policy mandating employees who are sick to stay home and provide doctors clearance in order to return to work. If anyone exhibits symptoms of being sick while at work, management will immediately release them in order to go see their medical provider. Promoting Prevention The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remains the public’s best resource for the latest updates, including guidance on prevention and control. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. CDC guidance includes: Cleaning hands often avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and putting distance between yourself and others.   Closely Monitoring the Situation and Taking Action We’re following updates for COVID-19, including guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our federal, state, county, and local authorities and health officials. We’ll continue to take any and all actions necessary to help protect our community.   FOR OUR EDUCATION COMMUNITY The City has been in constant communication with our education community and has learned that out of an abundance of caution schools will be transitioning to online education in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We stand in support of these difficult decisions, because the health, safety, and well being of our community remain our highest priority. We have been assured that our children and educators will have available all the tools, resources, and support they need to continue their learning during this time. FOR OUR  BUSINESS COMMUNITY We support the efforts of our local and small businesses to continue providing essential services to meet our needs, while at the same time, we urge that safe and protective measures are being taken to curb the transmission of the disease. As guidance begins to point to social distancing, many food establishments may no longer provide in-house dining, but I have received commitments from local restaurants that they will do what they can to provide essential services through drive-thru, take-out, curbside delivery, and third-party deliver to be a support system for families needing to access food services in this manner. Please rest assured that our national, state, and local leaders are committed to ensuring that our communities and systems get through this uncertain time. Governor Greg Abbott issued a Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas and President Donald J. Trump declared a National Emergency, under which small businesses may be able to access counseling and disaster relief lending through the Small Business Administration under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. If approved for our area, these low-interest loans and long-term repayments, up to $2 million in assistance, will provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they may be experiencing due to COVID-19. For more information, visit www.sba.gov.   We know these may be difficult times, but we are all in this together. We know some of you are exercising social/physical distancing to keep yourselves and your families safe. Others may not have that luxury. We encourage everyone to use their best judgment to determine your own needs, while taking the health and safety of others into consideration. We will continue to take action with the health and safety of our citizens and community stakeholders remaining our highest priority.   We are resilient, and together, we will get through this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

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.