by media | May 24, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr Takes Lead in Creation and Successful Passage of HB 2843 / SB 1334 in Texas Legislature to Enhance Bridge Funding
The City of Pharr has successfully led the efforts for the passage of House Bill 2843 / Senate Bill 1334 in the Texas Legislature, a bill that addresses funding mechanisms to invest in our ports of entry infrastructure. Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law, a bill that is effective immediately and will benefit both city- and county-owned ports of entry like the Pharr International Bridge. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and State Representative Terry Canales both worked with the City of Pharr to get the bill passed through their respective chambers.
As international ports of entry continue to evolve with increased supply and demand crossing our borders every day, the Pharr International Bridge continues to increase its overall crossings annually by 3-5% and remains one of the top ports of entry in most major commodities such as produce and automotive. With this continued growth, ports of entry processes currently in place to maintain infrastructure via federal regulatory areas and guidelines have changed over time. HB 2843 / SB 1334 amends the Transportation Code to authorize a county bordering the Rio Grande to use negotiable bonds or the proceeds of the sale of the bonds to construct, improve, enlarge, or equip in whole or in part a toll bridge or a related building, structure, or other facility. The bill authorizes the county to use those bonds or the sale of the bonds to acquire such a building.
This bill provides cities and county-owned toll bridges another funding tool to invest in ports of entry infrastructure. A strong economic engine for the City of Pharr, the region, our state, and the nation, our local ports of entry and bridges along the Texas-Mexico border are key contributors to the economies of the U.S. and Mexico. Trade between Texas and Mexico has grown rapidly over the last two decades, increasing by 267 percent from $58 billion in 1994 to $213 billion in 2019.
“The city of Pharr prides itself on remaining proactive and innovative when it comes to infrastructure development at the Pharr International Bridge,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The bridge now crosses 65% of the nation’s produce imported from Mexico and over $36 billion in annual trade, and I am happy to see that our state leaders recognize that it is vital to continue prioritizing infrastructure needs for our port of entry,” he added. “Senate Bill 1334 will allow for local government entities to invest in port of entry infrastructure that can provide greater efficiency of cross-border movement of people and goods and to better accommodate future growth,” stated Hernandez.
The City of Pharr has been proactive in infrastructure investment and development at the Pharr International Bridge. In collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. General Services Administration, Pharr was the first port of entry to be part of the Donations Acceptance Program (DAP). The DAP program is a partnership mechanism with the CBP to explore and implement tangible solutions to trade and travel challenges, under the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016. DAP allows city-owned ports of entry to donate a monetary value inside the federal footprint allowing infrastructure projects to be expedited and therefore increasing the amount of commercial truck output for all ports of entry. Currently, every major city-owned port of entry along the Texas-Mexico border is participating in the DAP program. Since the establishment of the DAP program, 41 partnerships have been created with a $218 million dollar investment in U.S. Ports of Entry.
SB 1334 was filed by Senator Hinojosa and sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Terry Canales, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, at the request of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and city officials.
“I appreciate Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez for his leadership and for bringing this issue to my attention,” said Senator Hinojosa. “We will recover our investments and more, by growing our economy, creating new jobs, and making the movement of people and goods at our bridges more efficient. This is a common-sense bill that will help cities and counties that own bridges leverage their local dollars to expedite bridge projects which will strengthen our economy and the safety of our ports of entry.”
Under current law, cities and counties are not permitted to issue bonds to invest in facilities, technology, or other infrastructure to donate to the federal government for port improvements. This discrepancy in the law created a roadblock that prevented entities from enhancing bridge infrastructure and establishing key partnerships between local agencies and municipalities to share resources that enhance ports of entry. “It was important to the city that our state legislatures remain cognizant of the fact that city-owned bridges are identified as formal city departments and require significant maintenance, as do other city facilities,” stated Hernandez.
“This legislation will better allow communities like the City of Pharr to leverage their local dollars to strengthen our state’s economy and bolster the safety of our ports of entry,” said Rep. Terry Canales. “Thank you to Pharr for advocating for legislation that will have such an incredible impact on our ports of entry up and down the Texas-Mexico border,” he continued. “This is an important bill that will have a major impact on the Rio Grande Valley, the State of Texas, and the entire nation,” added Canales.
Pharr has prioritized five (5) DAP projects that total the largest financial investment along the Texas-Mexico border and are currently categorized as in the “financial procurement” phase of the DAP process. The DAP program works to foster a symbiotic relationship amongst agencies, entities, and municipalities which further enhances and solidifies our economic footprint and continues to establish us as a critical trading spot in the nation.
“On behalf of the City of Pharr and the Pharr International Bridge, I want to thank Senator Hinojosa and Chairman Canales, who represent our South Texas region on their respective Committees on Transportation, for sponsoring this bill and getting this done for our border communities,” Hernandez said. “They worked tirelessly to make this happen, advocating on our behalf and we are very grateful for their dedicated efforts,” he added. “We would especially like to thank all our Rio Grande Valley Delegation for their work and our state leaders for recognizing the important economic impact of the DAP program which will benefit ports of entries throughout our region,” he said.
by media | May 13, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Kick-Off Opening of Pharr EMS Department Headquarters TODAY @ 5:30 pm
The City of Pharr will host the Kick-Off Opening of the Pharr EMS Headquarters to celebrate the launch of the city’s newest department. The event will take place at 5:30 pm TODAY, Thursday, May 13, 2021, at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.).
“We are proud to celebrate the launch of the Pharr EMS Headquarters and welcome our newest city department,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Pharr EMS will enhance our public safety and medical efforts throughout the city, providing faster and life-saving response times to our citizens,” he added.
The Pharr EMS Headquarters will now be housed at the former Pharr Events Center, which has been repurposed to accommodate all Pharr Emergency Medical Services personnel, its ambulance fleet, and the RGV Angel Flight.
All media and the public are invited to attend. Ambulances will be onsite for b-roll.
DETAILS
WHAT: Kick-Off of Pharr EMS Department Headquarters
WHEN: TODAY, Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 5:30 pm
WHERE: Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | May 4, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Host Unveiling Ceremony for Mayors’ Mural on Wednesday, May 5 @ 3:30 pm
The City of Pharr will host an Unveiling Ceremony for the new Mayors’ Mural which recognizes all of Pharr’s former mayors for their contributions to the city. The event will take place at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, on the first floor of Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd.).
“Pharr has a great history, and we are proud to honor our past mayors with this new mural which will be on display inside our newly renovated Pharr City Hall,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “These great leaders have all made an influential impact on our city and this is our way of paying tribute to them,” he added.
The mural celebrates Pharr’s past by commemorating the 25 mayors who have governed the city over the last one hundred years.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Unveiling of the Pharr Mayors’ Mural
WHEN: Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at 3:30 pm
WHERE: Pharr City Hall, First Floor (118 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Apr 30, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr to Close the Digital Divide; Announces Launch of Citywide Broadband Internet Service Network
Today, after years of preliminary research, advocating for funding, and working with local families to test service enhancement outcomes through a pilot project, the City of Pharr announced the future launch of TEAMPHARR.NET; the city’s fiber-optic cable broadband internet network service.
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. made the announcement during a press conference where he unveiled the project via a historical video that highlighted the city’s years’ long efforts to enhance internet broadband connectivity throughout the community. View the video here.
“For too long, Pharr families have lacked access to one of the now basic and necessary utilities in life – Affordable, high-speed broadband Internet,” announced Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D during the press conference. “These days, the internet is our lifeline; It connects us to the everyday world, it keeps us teaching and learning through virtual means, and it gives us access to opportunities that are beyond our normal reach,” he continued. “As your city leaders, we have been working towards a viable solution and are pleased to finally announce that we will soon be launching TEAMPHARR.NET,” added Hernandez.
The project, TEAMPHARR.NET, will install 2.1 million feet, or 398 miles of fiber-optic cable to 24,000 residential and business accounts. The network will provide an internet speed of 1 gigabyte – fast, reliable, accessible, and affordable for Pharr families. The project has been undergoing a preliminary network study these last few weeks and is expected to start building its core as Part of Phase II in this project. Subsequent phases will be used to build the network in the south part of the city, the mid part of the city, and the north part of the city. Eventually, the entire city will be lit-up and “ready” for use by June of 2022.
The City of Pharr has been leading the effort to bridge the digital divide for families for many years. In 2017, the City of Pharr, in collaboration with Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, Region One Education Service Center, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and private entities such as BBVA Compass bank, announced a pilot project, Pharr Life Net, that brought free internet access to 50 families in their homes. The City of Pharr invested $90,000 in the household study on external devices and equipment for each home, and $100,000 was invested through the Federal Reserve Partnership with BBVA Compass used for a financial impact feasibility study.
“This is something we have been working towards in Pharr for years, and when the pandemic hit, it brought to light many issues and challenges regarding lack of internet connectivity not only in our area but across the nation,” stated Hernandez. “Our incredible team of advocates, employees, and partners are pleased to announce that we now have a solution to close the digital divide in Pharr,” he said.
Now a priority for both state and federal legislators, the nation is scrambling to work towards a solution with many Americans relying on the internet for work, school, and everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just this week, President Biden announced his $100 billion dollar proposal to close the digital divide during his remarks to the joint session of Congress.
Special guests and dignitaries providing remarks during the announcement included Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio III, Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez, Jordana Barton, Vice-President of Community Investments for Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Dr. Eduardo Cancino, Interim Executive Director for Region One Education Service Center, Dr. Narciso Garcia, Superintendent of Vanguard Academy, Xavier Salinas, Superintendent of Hidalgo ISD, Sylvia Ibarra, Interim Superintendent of Valley View ISD, Eddie Anaya of Valley Interfaith, and Marco Lopez, community organizer for internet access with LUPE.
The response to the city’s announcement was overwhelming and supportive as all remarks pointed to the fact that this service will no doubt become a model for the region, state, and nation as all eyes turn to closing the digital divide and connecting our communities to a fast and reliable broadband service.
“This is the future, this is what is ahead of us,” exclaimed Senator Eddie Lucio III during his remarks. “Thank you to Mayor Hernandez and the City of Pharr for working on a solution that will address the needs of our students, our workers, and our community,” said Lucio.
“What you have put together here Mayor, will be replicated in other parts of the state and country; I can assure you of that,” said Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez. “Our communities need this infrastructure and I applaud you for bringing the future now and working towards closing the digital divide,” he added.
“We look forward to investing in and working together with the City of Pharr as we explore how best to support your efforts in closing the digital divide,” said Jordana Barton, Vice-President of Community Investments for Methodist Healthcare Ministries. She added, “The digital divide has real-world consequences for communities as we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, which made it clear how critical closing the digital divide is to the well-being of economic opportunities to communities.”
“I congratulate the City of Pharr on this accomplishment and look forward to the enhanced educational opportunities it will provide to students in Pharr,” stated Dr. Eduardo Cancino, Interim Executive Director for Region One Education Service Center. “This is not a Pharr project, this is a model for the entire region and we thank you for providing our students throughout Region One this opportunity,” he further stated.
During his closing statement, Mayor Hernandez reiterated, “We are doing this as a service to our community because we cannot let our Pharr families remain behind in this digital world.” He concluded by saying, “We are proud of this venture and creative solution that we hope can be a model for other communities to follow, so that they too, can help bridge the digital divide.”
The City of Pharr would like to thank all partners in this venture as the project phases begin throughout the city.
View the entire announcement at https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr/videos/838694546742784.
by media | Apr 29, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr and Military Highway Water Supply Corporation to Host Announcement TOMORROW 4/30 @ 9 am
City of Pharr officials and Military Highway Water Supply Corporation (MHWSC) officials will partner to host the official announcement of their Interlocal Agreement. The announcement will take place at 9 am TOMORROW, Friday, April 30, 2021, at the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (1215 S Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
“Earlier this month we approved an Interlocal Agreement with MHWSC which will create a new partnership between our two entities to enhance services to our Pharr residents,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Through this agreement, we will interconnect our systems to expand water for our residents, construct a Reverse Osmosis Plant, as well as plan for future projects that will improve services to the area,” he added.
The Pharr City Commission approved the Interlocal Agreement with Military Highway Water Supply (MHWS) Corporation during a city meeting on April 5, 2021. This agreement will give the city of Pharr access to the water supply inside its 15,000-acre ETJ service area.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Announcement of Interlocal Agreement between the City of Pharr and the Military Highway Supply Corporation
WHEN: Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 am
WHERE: Pharr Economic Development Corporation (1215 S Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Apr 29, 2021 | Media Releases, News
City of Pharr Hosts Texas Secretary of State and RGVMPO to Discuss Border Transportation Master Plan
Pharr city officials welcomed Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs and members of the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (RGVMPO) Transportation Policy Board to the Pharr Events Center for a discussion regarding the Border Transportation Master Plan (BTMP).
During her remarks, Secretary Hughs announced that this was her first post-COVID trip in her official capacity, as well as her first visit to the Rio Grande Valley. She also shared that it was important for her to be present and part of the critical discussions as she presented the BTMP to the RGVMPO’s Transportation Policy Committee.
“The City of Pharr is proud to welcome Secretary Hughs and our RGVMPO colleagues as we work on implementing the BTMP,” said Pharr Mayor and RGV MPO Transportation Policy Board Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The RGVMPO has been proactive in collaborating with TxDOT, Secretary Hughs, our binational partners, and all our regional stakeholders throughout the entire BTMP process,” he continued. “This plan will allow us to seek additional federal and state funding for improvements for our bridges and transportation projects,” added Hernandez.
The BTMP addresses the needs, challenges, opportunities, and funding strategies, such as public-private partnerships, to move people and goods more quickly and efficiently across Texas’ 28 border crossings. It is estimated that the Rio Grande Valley will receive more than $11 billion to address the needs of the region.
In December, Secretary Hughs presented the 400-page BTMP to the Texas Transporation Commission. The completed BTMP is the result of joint efforts between TxDOT and the Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC), which the Secretary chairs in her capacity as Texas’ Border Commerce Coordinator. Pharr is proud to have two members serve on the influential BTAC, Cynthia Garza Reyes, Director of External Relations, and Luis Bazán, Pharr Bridge Director.
“There are some very vital regional projects that we are working on at the RGVMPO to improve our infrastructure throughout the region and enhance our trading capacity,” said Executive Director of the RGVMPO Andrew Canon. “Projects we have identified include the International Trade Corridor which will provide a new truck route between Pharr and Donna international bridges, the East Loop Projects in Brownsville, and the Madero International Bridge Project in Mission,” he continued.
After the discussion at the Pharr Events Center, Secretary Hughs and the board had an internal briefing at the Pharr International Bridge where they received a tour and overview of the City of Pharr’s bridge projects.
Expressing the need for funding to enhance infrastructure, Mayor Hernandez stated, “As Secretary Hughs was able to witness during our luncheon, we have made tremendous strides at the Pharr International Bridge in terms of expansion and bridge improvements.” He continued, “Our ports of entry and bridges are critical to the lifeline of our economy not only in the City of Pharr but throughout the entire Rio Grande Valley region, and we hope the BTMP will allow us to finally receive the funding we need to plan for a better future.”
In March, the Texas Transportation Commission approved the plan and now awaits its adoption by the board into the Unified Transportation Program, the state’s 10-year transportation plan.
