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 | Aug 17, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr to Host Signing Ceremony for Police and Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreements on Wed., 8/18 @ 12 pm
The City of Pharr will host a Signing Ceremony for the Police and Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreements. The event will take place at 12 pm on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, on the Second Floor of Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd).
The City of Pharr successfully negotiated collective bargaining contracts with both Fire and Police Unions last month. After a two-year carryover of existing contracts, the negotiations concluded within a day of each other and resulted in 3-year contracts with each entity, incremental pay increases, and organizational modifications.
“We are proud of the diligent work and efforts of all stakeholders who came together to make these agreements a success,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “These changes will positively impact our Pharr Police and Fire Department personnel and ensure the continued safety, security, and protection of our Pharr residents,” he added. “The dedication of our personnel is greatly appreciated!”
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr to Host Signing Ceremony for the Police and Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreements
WHEN: Wednesday, August 18, 2021
WHERE: Pharr City Hall, 2nd Floor (118 S Cage Blvd)
by media | May 13, 2021 | Featured News, Information
Pharr Announces the Election Results for the General Municipal Election.
The General Municipal Election was held on May 1st, 2021 with the results being finalized that evening.
For Commissioner Place 2, Daniela Zuniga received 1,543 votes or 37.95% of the votes and Incumbent Roberto “Bobby” Carrillo received 2,523 votes or 62.05% of the votes.
For Commissioner Place 3, Artemio “Chemo” Palacios received 1,547 votes or 38% of the votes and Incumbent Ramiro Caballero received 2,524 votes or 62% of the votes.
For Commissioner Place 4, Isidro “Izzy” Perez received 1,561 votes or 38.27% of the votes and Incumbent Daniel Chavez received 2,518 votes or 61.73% of the votes.
Congratulations to the commissioners and thank you to community for their civic duty and diligence.
by media | Apr 20, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases, News
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| City Scheduled to Host Emergency Medical Services Job Fair on Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Pharr Events Center
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr leaders can finally announce and comment on the city’s acquisition of a former Emergency Medical Services (EMS) company, after weeks of negotiations and hearings before a U. S. Bankruptcy Court.
At a hearing held today, Monday, April 19, 2021, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge David R. Jones issued a verbal ruling approving the purchase of all assets of the company formerly known as Hidalgo County Emergency Services Foundation, also known as Hidalgo County EMS, by the City Pharr. The City was the sole bidder to purchase the assets, and no liabilities transferred over with the agreement. Assets include 98 ambulances, air ambulance services, existing contracts, all EMS equipment, monitors, phones, radios, and more, at the price of $1 million. Funds for the purchase are appropriated by COVID-19 funding that was allocated to the city to support public health services due to the pandemic. The order is currently undergoing final review for signature by Judge Jones upon which all transferred assets, including assigned contracts, will be transferred to the City of Pharr. All details regarding the purchase will be made available upon approval.
Earlier this month, the City approved an ordinance creating the Pharr Emergency Medical Services Department (Pharr EMS), which will provide the highest-quality ambulance and emergency medical services to our region. The department will provide emergency medical services response within the City; emergency medical services and/or non-emergency transport services with other governmental entities via an interlocal agreement; and non-emergency transport services. At the same meeting, the Pharr City Commission adopted an amendment to the City Code of Ordinances Regulating Ambulance Service in the City of Pharr, declaring that the City of Pharr will be the sole primary provider of emergency ambulance service within the City.
Pharr EMS is currently in transition mode, identifying and conducting an inventory of all available assets and in the process of hiring employees to staff the department. Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Danny Ramirez has been named EMS Chief. Pharr EMS will function as a full-fledged EMS department and acquired the existing 9-1-1 contracts for 9-1-1 calls, ambulance services, and other emergency medical service needs within the geographical boundaries of the City of Pharr, the City of Penitas, the City of Sullivan City, Hidalgo County Precinct 3, Hidalgo County Emergency Services District #2, and will serve as backup to the City of Mission. The City of Edinburg and Hidalgo County Emergency Services #3, had existing contracts with the former EMS company but decided to contract EMS services with an alternate EMS company and will not be serviced by Pharr EMS.
According to the City, all projections made by reviewing financial records of the former company indicate that implementing this new service and operations will be a self-sustaining model that will benefit the citizens of Pharr and the region. With two medical professionals serving on the Pharr City Commission, Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, and Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero, and with the support of the entire City Commission, Pharr was already working toward establishing its own EMS department, researching similar models across the country with the goal of functioning as a well-trained, highly-effective, public health service to the community. This opportunity to acquire the former company was timely and appropriate. Moreover, with its geographical positioning as the “hub” of Hidalgo County, Pharr is uniquely positioned, well equipped, and ready to serve the emergency medical needs of the region.
“Pharr continues to find innovative ways to be in a position to help our broader community as a regional leader while at the same time improving the services we provide to our own Pharr families,” said Mayor Hernandez. “As medical professionals, we understand the need for safe, prompt, and reliable EMS services because time is of the essence when transporting individuals that need immediate medical attention,” said Mayor Hernandez.
Commissioner Caballero concurred. “We are here to serve our community, and we will always be at the forefront of the latest research and programs to ensure our EMS Department employees are highly skilled, trained, qualified, and capable to provide these emergency medical services at the highest standard, which is what our community deserves,” he stated.
Pharr City Manager Ed Wylie stated, “The City of Pharr was aware of the large service area that Hidalgo County EMS serviced, and Pharr was in a favorable position to be able to step in and avoid the disruption of critical emergency medical services to these communities.”
The City plans to hold an upcoming press conference announcing the new Pharr EMS Department and will have more details regarding the purchase once Judge Jones approves the final order. Details will be forthcoming.
In order to staff the new department with highly qualified EMS employees in an expeditious manner, the City of Pharr will be holding a job fair for the new EMS department. The job fair will be held from 9 am to 4 pm this Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr. |
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by media | Apr 7, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
City of Pharr and PSJA Southwest ECHS to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park TODAY, 4/7 @ 11:30 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, in collaboration with PSJA Southwest Early College High School, will host a celebratory Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park. The event will take place TODAY, April 7, 2021, at 11:30 am at 520 E. Saint Anne Drive (Intersection of Dicker Rd. and St. Anne) in Pharr.
“We are proud to break ground on the city’s newest project in collaboration with our partners at PSJA Southwest ECHS,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This project will not only help improve our drainage infrastructure in the city but also serve as a recreational area and dog park for our citizens to enjoy,” he added.
The project is one of several identified in the City of Pharr’s Drainage Improvement Plan to enhance drainage infrastructure and help mitigate future flooding.
All media and the public are invited to attend. CDC guidelines will be enforced, please wear a mask.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park
WHEN: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11:30 am
WHERE: 520 E. Saint Anne Drive, Pharr, TX 78577 (Intersection of Dicker Rd. and St. Anne)
by media | Mar 27, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr Officials Host Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Congressional Delegation at Pharr Bridge
Pharr, Texas – City officials here today welcomed U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with 19 key United States senators from across the country, to get a firsthand view of Pharr’s International Bridge, which recently received a Presidential Permit amendment approved by the White House for the second span expansion of the bridge. This visit marks the first time in Pharr’s history that so many federal legislators visited Pharr at once, indicating the interest and awareness that has been brought to our area with the city emerging as a distinct leader in international trade. The senators were in South Texas for a congressional delegation (CoDel) visit, touring cities along the border to discuss issues related to immigration and international trade. The delegation received briefings from local city Mayors, law enforcement officials, and local organizations. While much national attention has recently focused on issues related to immigration along the border, local leaders wanted to emphasize to the federal legislators in attendance that this remains an important aspect of border issues, international trade and commerce along the southern border continues to thrive and drive the local, state, and national economy. In Pharr, the senators were given an overview of the increase in international trade and commerce along the southern border, especially due to programs spearheaded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Pharr.
“As Mayor of Pharr, we are proud to have our nation’s leaders visit our community to get a first-hand look at how our area is directly impacted by policy decisions that are made in Washington, D.C. and understand the vital impact they have on the rest of the nation,” said Hernandez. “Pharr has been fortunate to reap the benefits of federal legislation and projects that have helped to improve infrastructure at our bridge,” he continued.
Members received an update on current bridge infrastructure projects in Pharr, including several projects under the Donations Acceptance Program, which was authorized by Section 559 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 and allows CBP in conjunction with the General Services Administration (GSA), to accept donations from private sector and government entities for port of entry construction, alterations, operations and maintenance activities. The projects are part of Pharr’s 5-Year Master Plan to increase capacity, reduce border wait times, and support local and regional trade industries.
“We are proud to say that these projects are in the construction phase in just 5 years which highlights the city’s effort to remain proactive in identifying funding mechanisms,” said Hernandez.
Through this program, the city is investing $40 million in port infrastructure projects – additional commercial entry and exit lanes including booths which will help alleviate traffic and expedite crossings. The city aggressively pursued and secured state funding in the amount of $20 million with a city match of another $20 million.
Mayor Hernandez thanked Senators Cornyn and Cruz for their support in assisting with the successful expansion and funding that the Pharr Bridge has received to enhance operations, expand international trade, and continue to plan for future growth.
“As always, we are pleased to have our Congressional leaders visit the Rio Grande Valley to see the amazing work being executed by each of our community partners and the expansions we are making on our ports of entry, we look forward to continue having have the ears and the attention of our federal representatives and their colleagues as they understand the increasing need for funding for trade, transportation, education, and other initiatives for our area,” Hernandez ended.
Senators visiting the area on the CoDel included:
Honorable John Barrasso, Wyoming
Honorable Mike Braun, Indiana
Honorable Susan Collins, Maine
Honorable John Cornyn, Texas
Honorable Tom Cotton, Arkansas
Honorable Ted Cruz, Texas
Honorable Steve Daines, Montana
Honorable Lindsey Graham, South Carolina
Honorable Chuck Grassley, Iowa
Honorable John Hoeven, North Dakota
Honorable Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi
Honorable Ron Johnson, Wisconsin
Honorable John Kennedy, Louisiana
Honorable James Lankford, Oklahoma
Honorable Mike Lee, Utah
Honorable Dan Sullivan, Alaska
Honorable John Thune, South Dakota
Honorable Thom Tillis, North Carolina
Honorable Tommy Tuberville, Alabama
