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.
by media | Apr 28, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr EDC Foundation to Host Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 29 @ 6 pm
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation Foundation is pleased to announce that they will be hosting a Scholarship Awards Ceremony to recognize recipients of their inaugural Pharr EDC Foundation Scholarship. The event will take place at 6 pm TOMORROW, Thursday, April 29 at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
“We had an overwhelming response of applicants apply for the scholarship and we are thrilled to be able to offer financial assistance to over 120 students within our community as they continue to work towards a higher education degree,” said Victor Perez, President of the Pharr EDC Foundation and Executive Director of the Pharr EDC. “This will be our first Scholarship Awards Ceremony and we look forward to recognizing these deserving students and their families,” added Perez.
The Pharr EDC Foundation will award over 120 scholarships, each at $2,000 ($1,000 per semester) for one academic year. The scholarship fund was created for residents of the City of Pharr who are enrolling in a qualifying post-secondary institution.”The biggest challenge facing our students continues to be financial assistance,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. who is also the Pharr EDC Foundation Board Treasurer. “This scholarship will help create a pipeline to college and eventually to careers for our Pharr students who have all the potential to succeed but lack the financial resources,” he added. “We are proud to create this legacy within our community,” he said.
The Pharr EDC Foundation is committed to supporting Pharr students’ achieve their educational and career dreams by helping them pay for college at all levels, whether it is for a trade or technical degree or a four-year university.
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr EDC Foundation Scholarship Awards Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 6 pm
WHERE: Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Apr 27, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr Officials React to Release of 2020 Census Figures
City of Pharr officials were pleased to learn that the State of Texas grew by 4 million people, according to the 2020 Census figures released yesterday by the U. S. Department of Commerce. The state gained the most in population and was one of only a handful of states across the country to gain additional congressional seats; Texas gained two additional congressional representatives and will now have 38 members in the U. S. House of Representatives.
Many factors attribute to the population growth, including the increasing number of opportunities available in Texas, such as economic, educational, housing, career, as well as rapidly burgeoning industries that are attracting people from out of the state to Texas. Additionally, the population is fairly young, indicating that much of the increase in newcomers can also be attributable to new births. All these factors contributed to the state’s population boom, positioning Texas as an even more influential state in the national arena. Additional congressional representation means more federal attention, resources, and funding for the state, and ultimately, for our region.
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and members of Pharr’s Complete Count Committee are confident that their myriad efforts over the past two years had a positive effect on the census results in our area. In late 2019, and in partnership with our local school districts, Pharr recruited, trained, and deputized Parent Ambassadors who would be active in sharing the importance of responding to the census with their neighbors, families, and community members.
In early 2020, the city recruited and trained members that would comprise the city’s outreach team, with plans in place to canvass neighborhoods throughout the community of Pharr to ensure an accurate census response and count. Then, the pandemic hit. After months of relying on self-reporting and phone-banking to constituents sheltered-at-home, the Census outreach team was eventually able to ramp up the city’s efforts to ensure an accurate count, armed with personal protective equipment and having been trained on appropriate health and safety measures to resume door-to-door canvassing and outreach. In an effort to promote and increase citizen participation, the city was creative, rewarding those who completed their census form with incentives, including free food, a chance to win gifts, and a raffle for credit towards utility payments.
Pharr’s census response ultimately demonstrated a considerable increase in participation as compared to the 2010 Census. City leaders anticipate that Pharr’s census numbers will help South Texas ensure our fair share of federal allocation of funding and resources for our priorities, our projects, and our community.
“Overall, we are confident that our Census efforts paid off,” said Hernandez. “We look forward to the release of population figures at the local level and will work with our state leaders to ensure that the reallocation of congressional representation is fair to our area,” he continued.’
“We want to thank our Parent Ambassadors, our Census outreach team, and all citizens who participated in this very important Census,” Hernandez added.
by media | Apr 27, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 26, 2021, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Declares April 27 as Lady Raiders Softball Team Day
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 27, 2021, as Lady Raiders Softball Team Day. The City of Pharr proudly congratulated and recognized the PSJA North Lady Raider Softball Team for placing 1st in the State of Texas UIL 31-6A District. This year, the Lady Raiders had a very fruitful season winning 15 games and currently rank 6th in the state. This marks the 6th outright District Championship for The Lady Raiders. Head Coach Stephanie Lugo Peralta, her coaching staff, and the Lady Raiders Softball Team all accepted the proclamation during the city meeting. The team is moving on to the state competition and we wish them the best of luck. Congratulations Lady Raiders, the City of Pharr is proud of your accomplishments!
City Announces April Sales Tax Report
City Manager Ed Wylie announced that the sales tax activity for the City of Pharr as of the month of April 2021 continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. The report shows an increase of 13.34% year-to-date growth in sales tax compared to last year (April 2020) and an increase of 11.79% in sales collections compared to last April.
Pharr Property Tax Collection Report
City Manager Ed Wylie announced that Property Tax Collections as of March 31, 2021, are $22,185,965 which is a 91.94% collection rate, an increase of 1.73% compared to last year. He also announced that Delinquent Tax Collections as of March 31, 2021, are $481,973 which is an increase of 3.57% compared to last year.
Featured Event: Special Community Announcement – Friday, April 30, 2021, at 11 am
The City of Pharr would like to invite the community for a special announcement on the 1st floor of City Hall this Friday, April 30th at 11 am. Watch the announcement live online at www.facebook.com/cityofpharr/.
