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:
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)
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, May 20, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Texas A&M Forest Service Awards City of Pharr $3.12 Million Grant
The Pharr City Commission was presented with a $3.12 million dollar grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service Grant in the category of Schoolyard Forests. This grant is part of a historic $15.4 million grant disbursement by the Texas A&M Forest Service. Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, Pharr Public Health Director, introduced special guests who were present for the recognition including Texas A&M University of Higher Education System of McAllen Vice-President and COO Manny Vela, Texas A&M Forest Service Grants Specialist Kate Farris, Texas A&M Regional Urban Forester Bill Green, PSJA ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias, and PSJA ISD Assistant Superintendent of Academics Ranulfo Marquez. “We are excited to present this grant to the City of Pharr which is partnering with PSJA ISD to distribute the funding to eight campuses to gain at least a 30% tree canopy coverage and implement outdoor learning spaces for your students to really understand what it is to include the outdoors in not just their environmental science education, but in every part of their education,” said Farris during the presentation. She added, “The project implementation will take place over three years and then hopefully these schoolyard forests and outdoor learning spaces will serve your community for generations.” Farris was ecstatic to announce that South Texas is among the largest recipients of the grants, with 37 campuses across the region being selected to receive funding. “We have over $14 million going directly to South Texas in this category to make sure students down here have a really awesome opportunity to learn outdoors, learn about our forests, and implement these educational courses,” continued Farris. “These are the kind of partnerships that drive us and connect us as a community,” said Manny Vela, Texas A&M University of Higher Education System of McAllen Vice-President and COO. “Congratulations to the City of Pharr on this award, we look forward to this lasting partnership which will enhance learning for our students and quality of life for our citizens,” he added. 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. “This is an exciting partnership for PSJA ISD, the City of Pharr, and Texas A&M as we collaborate to transform lives through education while enhancing our sustainability,” stated Alejandro Elias, PSJA ISD Superintendent. 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 outdoor space for our students and community which enjoy our parks,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
Pharr EMS and City Emergency Response Personnel Recognized for Life-Saving Treatment and Response
The Pharr City Commission and Pharr EMS Chief Danny Ramirez recognized personnel from Pharr EMS, Police Department, Fire Department, Public Safety Communications, Trauma Regional Advisory Council (TRAC V), and the care team at McAllen Medical Center team who were recently involved in a life-saving incident, helping to save a Pharr citizen’s life during a work injury. Coinciding with “National Stop the Bleed Month” this recognition shines a spotlight on the importance of taking quick action to apply pressure to a wound. Mr. Rodriguez, who was at work cutting branches off a tree, was injured when his chainsaw slipped and injured his arm. Thanks to his quick action in calling 9-1-1, he was quickly treated with a tourniquet and rushed to the hospital, where his arm was treated and saved. “It’s important to recognize the critical role everyone on our team plays during these types of incidents because it does take a team, and as you can see here when we work together to act quickly, we save lives,” said Chief Ramirez. “This demonstrates how the system works, it not only one person like everyone thinks it is; it goes from the people in the field to the cops, to the medics, and the hospital, but most importantly, it demonstrates that teamwork really works to save somebody’s life,” added Dr. Carlos Palacios, Trauma Surgeon with McAllen Medical Center. Mr. Rodriguez and his family thanked all the individuals who acted quickly to save his life. “I am thankful to be here today and I am thankful for the life-saving care I received,” said Rodriguez. Chief Ramirez presented the entire care team who responded to the incident with a plaque in appreciation of their outstanding service and care to the patient which ultimately saved his life.
May 2024 Proclaimed as “National Stop the Bleed Month” in Pharr
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission have declared May 2024 as National “Stop the Bleed Month,” emphasizing the critical need for swift response to life-threatening bleeding incidents. Recognizing the potential for casualties in situations of terrorism or violence, they underscore the importance of public preparedness. The initiative encourages citizens to learn and apply bleeding control techniques, such as CPR and proper use of dressings and tourniquets, facilitated by resources like BleedingControl.org. Danny Ramirez, Pharr EMS Chief, and members of his EMS staff accepted the proclamation. While accepting the proclamation, Chief Ramirez thanked the City Commission for its support and informed them about the importance of learning CPR and other skills that can help save lives during an emergency. He also announced that Pharr EMS is partnering with the Trauma Regional Advisory Council (TRAC-V), to offer free training sessions to the community throughout the day on May 23, 2024, at the Pharr EMS Headquarters. The event aims to equip individuals with life-saving skills in emergency situations.
May 19-25 Declared as “National Public Works Week” in Pharr
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission have officially designated the week of May 19 – 25, 2024 as “National Public Works Week,” highlighting the indispensable role of public works professionals in maintaining essential infrastructure and services vital for community well-being. Recognizing their dedication in managing and improving transportation, water systems, waste management, and public facilities, the proclamation emphasizes the significance of public awareness and appreciation for their contributions. Sponsored by the American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association, this year marks the 64th annual celebration, encouraging citizens to participate in honoring and recognizing the invaluable work of these professionals in safeguarding public health, safety, and quality of life. Pharr Public Works Director Luis Marin and members of his staff were present to receive the proclamation. “We thank you for this proclamation and for recognizing our team of men and women that manage and maintain our local community to keep our city running day in and day out,” said Marin. “Our team wears many hats and our diverse department made up of different divisions, works in harmony to keep our city operational, safe, and productive, from traffic safety to streets and drainage, city garage, stormwater, and recycling center services,” he added. Marin also informed the commission that Pharr Public Works will be hosting a series of community events and an Open House throughout the week to encourage the public to learn about the services they provide and answer any questions citizens may have.
Tierra Del Sol Golf Course Employee Recognized for Outstanding Public Service
In a heartening display of integrity and exceptional service, Mr. Jorge Flores Adame, an employee at Tierra Del Sol Golf Course, was honored by the Pharr City Commission and Tierra Del Sol Golf Course Manager Frank Nunez for his remarkable deed in assisting a golfer in locating a lost wallet. Mr. Adame’s act of honesty not only showcases his unwavering dedication but also underscores his commitment to ensuring the utmost satisfaction of the Tierra Del Sol Golf Course clientele. Graciously accepting the recognition, Mr. Adame humbly expressed his pride in the team’s collective efforts to serve with honesty, respect, and integrity. His exemplary conduct serves as a shining example of the values upheld by the Tierra Del Sol Golf Course staff, resonating deeply with the community they diligently serve. “I didn’t expect this recognition, I am proud of the work we do to serve with honesty, respect, and integrity,” said Adame. “Thank you again for this recognition.”
Featured Events:
City of Pharr Celebrates Public Works Week
Friday, May 24 from 12 pm – 5 pm
Let’s celebrate Public Works Week together! Join us for a day filled with appreciation and fun as we honor the hard work of our Public Works team. Enjoy delicious food, family-friendly activities, and best of all, it’s all FREE!
City of Pharr Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 27 at 9 am – Memorial Park
The City of Pharr would like to invite you to our annual Memorial Day Ceremony. We honor and remember all the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding our nation’s freedom.
City of Pharr Student Internships NOW OPEN
Are you about to graduate high school or just starting your college journey? The City of Pharr is offering a 4-week internship that will help you gain insights into the various operations of city government and offer hands-on experience!
¿Estás a punto de graduarte o simplemente empezando tu viaje universitario? ¡La ciudad de Pharr está ofreciendo una pasantía de 4 semanas que te ayudará a conocer las diversas operaciones del gobierno de la ciudad y ofrecer experiencia práctica!
City of Pharr Memorial Alzheimer’s Workshop Series
June 26, 2024 at 5:30 pm – Pharr One Lecture Hall
Our Alzheimer’s Workshop on Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30pm is an important gathering aimed at providing education, support, and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease within our community. During this workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from expert speakers about the latest developments in Alzheimer’s research, caregiving strategies, and resources available for those impacted by the disease.
City of Pharr Launches Internship Program, PharrInitiative 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 PharrInitiative, 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 paid.
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.
