Information | City Of Pharr

Covid-19 Update – March 20, 2020

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

Pharr International Bridge Closing to Nonessential Travel, Commerce & Trade to Continue; Pharr Opens Call Center for Coronavirus Info

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020

Pharr, Texas – Amid the rapidly-evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Pharr and Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez will be providing regular updates to keep the media and the public informed as information develops. City officials urge media to please share with your reading/viewing/listening audiences.

Pharr International Bridge Closing to Nonessential Travel

President Trump announced this morning that in an effort to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the U.S.-Mexico border will be closed to nonessential travel. The Pharr International Bridge will be closing all nonessential travel to and from Mexico as per the president’s announcement beginning at midnight tonight.

“The City of Pharr has been proactively approaching our response to COVID-19 and has taken every step necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We support the President’s decision to close all nonessential travel between the U.S.-Mexico border and applaud his decision to allow our lifeline of commerce and trade to continue,” he continued. “Our country is relying on the delivery of goods from trade and commerce at this very pivotal moment and we will continue to also ensure the safety and well-being of our truck drivers as they continue providing their services to meet our needs here and across the border,” added Hernandez.

U.S. and Mexican officials have mutually determined that nonessential travel between the United States and Mexico poses the additional risk of transmission and spread of COVID-19 and places the populace of both nations at increased risk of contracting COVID-19.

“Accordingly, and consistent with the authority granted in 19 U.S.C. 1318(b)(1)(C) and (b)(2),4 I have determined that land ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexican border will suspend normal operations and process for entry only those travelers engaged in “essential travel,” defined below, for entry into the United States,” said Acting General Counsel from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Chad R. Mizelle in a letter to local leaders. “Given the definition of “essential travel” below, this temporary alteration in land ports of entry operations should not interrupt legitimate trade between the two nations or disrupt critical supply chains that ensure food, fuel, medicine, and other critical materials reach individuals on both sides of the border,” he added.

For purposes of the temporary alteration in certain designated ports of entry operations authorized under 19 U.S.C. 1318(b)(1)(C) and (b)(2), travel through the land ports of entry and ferry terminals along the United States-Mexico border shall be limited to “essential travel” which includes, but is not limited to —
• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States;

• Individuals traveling for medical purposes (e.g., to receive medical treatment in the United States);

• Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions;

• Individuals traveling to work in the United States (e.g., individuals working in the farming or agriculture industry who must travel between the United States and Mexico in furtherance of such work);

• Individuals traveling for emergency response and public health purposes (e.g., government officials or emergency responders entering the United States to support Federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government efforts to respond to COVID-19 or other emergencies);

• Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (e.g., truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the United States and Mexico);

• Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel;

• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, returning to the United States; and

• Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations.

The following travel does not fall within the definition of “essential travel” for purposes of this notification:

• Individuals traveling for tourism purposes (e.g., sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events).

The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) wants to remind the public that residents of Mexico traveling across the border for work are considered essential. Workers will have to show the appropriate documents to prove employment and carry the recommended documentation with them at all times when crossing the border.

The City of Pharr has been working closely with binational partners as these new changes go into effect.

“Our strong bonds with our Mexican counterparts are in full effect and we have been meeting daily as new actions and strategies are announced to combat COVID-19,” Hernandez said. “We hope to get the virus under control and will continue to review our situation at all ports of entry,” he said.

“Both our countries know the importance of working together to limit the spread of the virus and ensure the commerce that supports our economy continues to keep flowing,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during the morning press conference in Washington, D.C.

The policy will be reviewed in 30 days and adjusted if necessary.

For more guidance and information on “essential workers” or on this new directive, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce.

Pharr Opens Call Center for Coronavirus Info

The City of Pharr has opened up a 311 Call Center to consolidate all calls relating to COVID-19. We are here to answer questions and concerns you may have. This line is available to our entire community to include businesses. Please dial 956-402-4311 to get in contact with us, hours of operation are Monday through Sunday 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 A.M. midnight. Se habla Español.

###

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.

###

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 City Report for 3/2/2020

by media | Mar 11, 2020 | Information, Media Releases

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:City Engineer’s Report: Update on Drainage Projects

Pharr City Engineer and Director Omar Anzaldua Jr. informed the City Commission that his department is coordinating with Public Works to begin drainage improvements throughout the city. The drainage system projects will consist of upgrades, widening, and making existing drainage deeper. “We are working on a plan of action and a timeline of when we can begin these projects. As soon as the timeline is confirmed and approved, the details will be made available to the public and posted on the city’s website,” said Anzaldua. Pharr Municipal Court Recognized

The Pharr Municipal Court was recently notified by the Texas Municipal Court Education Center and TxDOT that they have been selected for an award. This award recognizes the court’s hazards and risk model which promotes the city’s public safety, traffic education, and best practices. “Mayor and Commissioners, we are thrilled to be here with you today to tell you that the Pharr Municipal Court was selected as 1 of 22 recipients of a traffic safety initiative award out of 933 municipal courts in the State of Texas,” said Judge Marissa Carranza Hernandez. “We were also the only ones in the County of Hidalgo to be selected for this award, this is also the first time the City of Pharr Municipal Court is selected for this award,” she continued. Judge Carranza Hernandez and the Court Coordinator will be attending a conference in Austin on April 6, 2020, to present on what they are doing in Pharr as an example to other Municipal Courts throughout the state and will also be receiving their award at a banquet that evening.

City Hall Renovations: Payment Stations Now Available at the Pharr Development and Research Center in South Pharr

Interim City Manager Ed Wylie announced that with the renovations at Pharr City Hall underway, citizens are urged to make payments at stations set up throughout the city. A new payment station is now conveniently available at the Pharr Development and Research Center (850 W Dicker Rd, Pharr, TX 78577).

Featured Event: 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk – Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 8 am

The City of Pharr presents another family-friendly event for you, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk

Join us Saturday, March 14th, beginning at 8:00 AM at the PSJA Stadium (703 E. Sam Houston St. Pharr, Texas).

To register: visit https://endurancesplits.webconnex.com/14thannualst.patricksday or visit our Parks & Recreation office at 413 E. Clark Ave. Pharr, Texas

Prices:
Children: $5
Adults: $15

Pharr Hosts Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking for the Pharr Bridge Business Park Distribution Center

by media | Mar 5, 2020 | Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020

Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr leaders and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Pharr Bridge Business Park’s latest distribution center, PBBP2. At the same time, city leaders hosted a groundbreaking for PBBP3 at the adjacent site.

The Pharr Bridge Business Park (PBBP) is a 30-acre, master-planned industrial park with two existing 100,000 square foot class A facilities, and over 100,000 square feet of additional planned facilities. This premier development is located along the overweight corridor and less than 1.5 miles from the Pharr International Trade Bridge; the only international bridge with commercial traffic in the area. Southbound, PBBP offers direct access to Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, home to over four hundred manufacturing operations occupying over thirty million square feet of industrial real estate. Northbound, PBBP feeds into Highway 281/Cage Boulevard, transitioning into Interstate 69, one of the most efficient distribution corridors in the U.S.

This development offers flexible multi-tenant and build-to-suit layouts for distribution, warehousing, and light assembly users. With an emphasis on inefficient inventory management, PBBP delivers ease of C-TPAT compliance through fenced and secured truck courts for its clients.

Pharr business leaders celebrate the groundbreaking of Pharr Bridge Business Park 3.

###

Online Services

Pharr Connect

Pharr 311 - Report an Issue

Court Payments

Property Taxes

Vital Statistics

Parks & Rec Registration

PHARR.LIFE TV

Public Pensions

Building Pharr Permit Portal

Job Opportunities

Utility Payments

Bid Postings

Public Information Request

Maps Online

Fiscal Transparency