by media | Sep 22, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
City of Pharr and TxDOT Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony for the I-2/I-69C Interchange Project in Pharr
The City of Pharr, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and Dragados-Pulice Joint Venture (DPJV) held a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, to celebrate the construction of the I-2/I-69C Interchange Project in Pharr.
The $303 million dollar project, which has been years in the making, will be eight miles long, consist of new connectors to expand the interchange and its capacity (four lanes in each direction), and will provide for enhanced safety and traffic flow. The three-year project is slated to be completed in the Fall of 2023.
Notable guests and dignitaries included Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Pharr Mayor and Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO) Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., State Senator and Senate Transportation Committee Member Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, State Representative and Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Terry Canales, and State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr.
Pictured from L to R are: State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr., State Senator and Senate Transportation Committee Member Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Texas Transportation Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, State Representative and Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Terry Canales, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, Pharr TxDOT District Engineer Pete Alvarez, and representatives from Dragados-Pulice Joint Venture.
Mayor Hernandez lauded the efforts that were made to merge the three former MPOs, which worked to regionalize efforts and show the state and the nation that the Rio Grande Valley was one region working together to get things done. Hernandez stated, “Our entire region, not one city, will benefit from projects such as this one and this is our first step of many as we continue to address and find viable solutions for our transportation needs,” he added. “This interchange, which runs through the heart of Pharr and connects the region, will allow us to address congestion issues, increase safety, and provide for a smooth flow of traffic and I am so grateful and proud of everyone who worked together throughout our region and state to make it happen,” he added.
Pharr Mayor and RGVMPO Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg acknowledged the need for the project, stating, “The State of Texas and the Rio Grande Valley have had great population growth and in order to meet the needs of our constituents, we must ensure that our transportation system is up to par.”
Chairman Bugg also remarked that through the regional approach of the RGVMPO, the region has seen an increase in funding in the Unified Transporation Program from $595 million in 2015 to now $2.2 billion (an increase in funding of 270% in less than 7 years). This historical funding will be used to tackle transportation projects throughout the Valley.
“We understand this growth the RGV has experienced in the last ten years has led to more congestion on the roadways and more transportation needs,” added Bugg. “Now that the RGVMPO has been created, as one entity, the region finally has access to more funding to address transportation needs such as this project,” he stated. “We look forward to continued growth!”
Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg
The project, which earned environmental clearance and funding in 2018, began construction in 2020 and also recently received increased funding for further expansion from Governor Abbott and the Texas Transportation Commission.
“Initially, this project was originally going to consist of just four new connectors,” said Pete Alvarez, Pharr TxDOT District Director during the opening remarks. “However, we looked at an opportunity to improve the safety and traffic operations and we decided to expand the scope of the project,” he added. “This interchange was built 30 years ago and since then our population and traffic flow have changed significantly, this is a much-needed expansion,” stated Alvarez.
“This interchange is extremely important to us for economic growth, the creation of jobs, and also to handle the increase in interstate commerce with Mexico, which is our biggest trading partner,” said Senator and Senate Transportation Committee Member Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. “It really took a lot of people to get this done and the key was, as Chairman Bugg noted, the merging of the three MPOs into one to increase our funding opportunities,” continued Hinojosa. “As your leaders, we all worked together to get it done, and I am especially proud of Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., who as our first chair of the RGVMPO, has taken on these projects immediately and worked with all leaders, partners, and state, and federal officials to highlight the importance of our region and our projects,” said Hinojosa. “This Interchange Project will be the first of many and I am so proud of this accomplishment,” he added.
Texas State Senator and Senate Transportation
Committee Member Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
“Our region is an economic focal point, it is a trade zone and our commerce is the lifeblood of Texas and the United States,” said State Representative and Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Terry Canales. “This interchange is instrumental in not only getting people to and from work but getting people fed across the entire United States,” he added. “If we continue to work together as a region, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish, and this interchange is a monument and a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Canales.
State Representative and Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Terry Canales
State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr.
“Everything happens when leaders and communities come together to bring ideas to the table and make them happen,” said State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr. “Under the visionary leadership of Mayor Hernandez, the RGVMPO has been able to accomplish this,” he added. “Going forward, the importance of the region is not only addressing our regional issues but coming up with regional solutions and that is exactly what we are seeing here today with this Interchange Project,” said Muñoz.
The project is currently under construction with new developments visible daily. The decision to increase expansion efforts will result in increased connectivity, mobility, safety, and new economic development opportunities throughout the entire RGV region.
by media | Sep 21, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr Assistant City Attorney Kriselda Hinojosa Appointed Associate Judge of Title IV-D Master Court I in Hidalgo County
The City of Pharr is proud to announce that Assistant City Attorney, Kriselda “Kris” Hinojosa, has been appointed as the new Associate Judge of the Title IV-D Master Court I in Hidalgo County, which also includes jurisdiction in Jim Hogg County by 5th Administrative Judicial Region, by Presiding Judge Missy Medary.
According to a news release issued by Judge Medary, “The Title IV-D Court hears cases that the Texas Attorney General has provided services under Part D, Title IV of the Federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq., which include locating an absent parent, determining parentage, or the establishment, modification, or enforcement of child support or medical support.”
“Kris has served an instrumental role to the City of Pharr as an Assistant City Attorney and we are incredibly proud to see her grow in her career through this appointment,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We wish her the best of luck and know that she will be an excellent judge who will serve with dedication and commitment,” added Hernandez.
Judge Hinojosa is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas, specializing in Criminal and Family Law. She served as the Assistant City Attorney in Pharr, Texas, and also previously served as the city’s Deputy Prosecutor at the Pharr Municipal Court since 2018, where she investigated and reviewed Class C citations, negotiated cases, and plea agreements, and conducted bench and jury trials. Hinojosa’s previous experience includes working as Assistant District Attorney for the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office. In her earlier career, she worked as a Juvenile probation officer for both Hidalgo and Travis County.
Hinojosa was born and raised in McAllen, Texas, and graduated from Nikki Rowe High School. She obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science at the University of Texas-Pan American and completed her law degree at Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas. While in Law School Kris participated in the Innocence Project and the Wills and Guardianship Clinic. She also clerked for several civil law firms throughout law school.
Judge Hinojosa currently resides in McAllen, Texas with her partner and 3 dogs. Her official swearing-in will be determined at a later time.
by media | Sep 21, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr to Host Celebration to Initiate the Start of the 2021-2022 Produce Season on Thursday, 10/7 @ 10 am
The Pharr International Bridge will host a special event to initiate the start of the 2021-2022 Produce Season and will celebrate the occasion alongside produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers from the United States and Mexico.
The annual “Start of the Produce Season” event will take place at 10 am on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at the Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage, Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577).
“The Pharr International Bridge continues to remain the #1 Produce gateway in the nation,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our bridge director, board, and staff continue to do an outstanding job working with all our partners to continue to expand growth and access through our bridge and we look forward to another record-setting season,” he added.
Pharr city officials, as well as special guests, dignitaries, and other notable representatives from the produce industry on both sides of the border, are expected to attend the event.
The U.S. has consistently remained Mexico’s No. 1 trading partner for produce and goods and Pharr’s ideal geographical location has resulted in not only a great partnership between the two countries, but also in the growth of their produce trading capacity. The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge has evolved into the largest land port for fruits and vegetables in the nation. Currently, the Pharr International Bridge crosses more than 65% of all the fresh produce coming from Mexico through Texas land ports of entry.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Celebration to Initiate the Start of the 2021-2022 Produce Season
WHEN: Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 10 am to 12 pm
WHERE: Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage, Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Sep 21, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases, News
City of Pharr and TxDOT to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for Interchange Project in Pharr on Tuesday, 9/21 @ 11 am
On Tuesday, September 21, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the city of Pharr, and Dragados-Pulice Joint Venture (DPJV) will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Interstate 2/Interstate 69C Interchange project.
Dragados-Pulice Joint Venture has been appointed by the Texas Department of Transportation to carry out the design, construction, and maintenance of the approximately $303 million I-2/I-69C Interchange Project in Hidalgo County. The project will include improvements to 7.8 miles of roadway in the cities of McAllen, Pharr, and San Juan and upon completion will reduce travel time and improve mobility, safety, and traffic operations.
Improvements to the interchange include:
- Full reconstruction of the I-2 and I-69C interchange to include two-lane direct connectors in all four directions increasing capacity
- Reconstruction and/or widening of the I-2 general-purpose lanes from six to eight lanes (four in each direction)
- Reconfiguration of the on and off-ramps
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Elected officials and TxDOT personnel will be on hand to speak about the $303 million project, which is one of the most significant investments in the infrastructure of the Rio Grande Valley. Officials will partake in the groundbreaking ceremonies previously delayed due to COVID-19.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 11 am
WHERE: West of the I-2/I-69 Interchange
by media | Sep 9, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr Responds to Gas Leak in South Pharr
The City of Pharr responded to an emergency 9-1-1 call reporting a major gas leak at 12:22 pm today, Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Pharr Fire and Hazmat crews were immediately deployed to the area of 200 E. Las Milpas Rd.
Officials determined that the gas leak posed no danger or threat to residents, and crews from Texas Gas are currently repairing the leak onsite; repairs are expected to take a few more hours.
The City of Pharr urges residents to exercise caution and patience and avoid the area if possible, as northbound and southbound traffic on S. Cage Rd. between Dicker Rd. and Anaya Rd. has been reduced to one lane.
by media | Sep 3, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
City of Pharr and UTRGV Celebrate Signing Ceremony for New School of Nursing Facility in Pharr
The City of Pharr and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held a Signing Ceremony on Thursday, September 2, 2021, to celebrate the UTRGV School of Nursing facility expansion in Pharr. This project will increase access to healthcare in the area while helping to address nursing shortages in the region.
The new facility will be constructed in Pharr as part of a U.S. Department of Commerce $2 million grant from CARES Acts funding. The project’s goal is to address nursing shortages in the Valley and prepare it for COVID-19 response.
“The City of Pharr is extremely proud to partner with UTRGV to educate and train the future nursing workforce in our region,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “As a physician myself, I understand the need we have for nurses and as a Mayor, I am proud that this facility will be located here in Pharr, where access to UTRGV and all our regional hospitals are closely situated,” he added.
UTRGV’s School of Nursing continues to expand in Pharr and this is yet another example of the working partnership between the two entities. In 2019, the City of Pharr, PSJA ISD, and UTRGV broke ground on a natatorium. UTRGV plans to construct a sports medicine institute adjacent to the new facility in Pharr. The new building will give medical students the opportunity to practice, learn and work with the community to provide sports medicine therapy and care.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said this collaboration with the City of Pharr is an important step in growing the School of Nursing and providing education opportunities for the Valley.
“We are grateful to the City of Pharr for its generosity and thank Mayor Hernandez for his support of the UTRGV School of Nursing,” Bailey said. “Together, we can help attract and retain the best and the brightest students as we further expand the Valley’s healthcare services.”
The federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility will be matched with $24 million in local investment, and the project is expected to create 750 jobs and $30 million in private investment, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The ceremony was attended by City of Pharr officials, special guests from the UTRGV School of Nursing, The University of Texas System Regent Nolan Perez, M.D., Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Vice Chair Dr. Fred Farias, State Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr., State Representative Terry Canales, representatives from Region One Education Service Center and PSJA ISD, Hidalgo County officials, UTRGV School of Nursing faculty and students, and other notable guests.
To view video of the Signing Ceremony, visit https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr/videos/1382329972162280.
