by media | Jun 2, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr to Provide Sandbags to Residents
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will be providing self-serve sandbags to residents in anticipation of inclement weather expected and at the start of the 2020 hurricane season.
The sandbags will be distributed TODAY until 8 pm and tomorrow, June 3, 2020, between 1 pm and 8 pm. Residents must provide proof of Pharr residency, and must bag their own bags. There is a limit of six (6) sandbags per household and twelve (12) sandbags per business.
Sandbags will be distributed at three locations:
- Development and Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd.)
- Moore Baseball Park (400 E. Moore)
- Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.)
by media | May 27, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr EDC Launches Pharr CARES Grant Program for Businesses
Pharr, Texas – In the wake of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, businesses across the country have been forced to adjust to a new reality. The pandemic created an unprecedented negative economic impact on businesses worldwide. As communities fell under shelter-at-home orders to mitigate the spread of the disease, some businesses managed to creatively continue operations, while others were not as fortunate. With Texas now re-opening its economy, businesses are faced with a new uncertainty – how to rebound after the crisis and begin thriving economically once again.
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is here to help businesses recover during this time of need. Earlier this month and coinciding with Economic Development Week, the members of the Pharr EDC board of directors approved the COVID-19 Emergency Business Grant Program. Appropriately named the “Pharr CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Support),” similar to the federal financial relief program, the Pharr EDC program will provide financial relief in the form of working capital – forgivable grants between $2,500 and $5,000 – for businesses who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
“The Pharr EDC truly cares about helping businesses recover after suffering such sudden and immeasurable losses as a result of the coronavirus crises,” said Pharr EDC Executive Director Victor Perez. “We are hoping to provide some financial relief that can help businesses in need continue operating in our community,” he added.
Under Pharr CARES, eligible businesses can use the grant to supplement personnel costs, rent or commercial mortgage payments, utilities, and critical business equipment or supplies. Businesses must be located within the corporate limits of Pharr, and must be in compliance with all zoning, land use, and other ordinances. Applicants must be current on all property and sales taxes, and current on payroll tax requirements. There is a limit of one grant per funding opportunity per applicant. Other eligibility requirements apply, and can be found on the Pharr EDC website at www.pharredc.com/cares.
The application period for the Pharr CARES grant will remain open until June 30, 2020, until funding has been exhausted, or until the Pharr EDC determines that its program goals have been satisfied.
For more information, visit www.pharredc.com or contact 956-402-4332.
by media | May 26, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr Prepares for 2020 Hurricane Season
More than 12 miles of canals cleaned and dredged as preventative maintenance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 26, 2020
Pharr, Texas – In anticipation of the 2020 Hurricane Season, which commences June 1, City of Pharr leaders are conducting major preventative maintenance on more than twelve miles of channels as part of the city’s drainage canal system. This type of maintenance is typically scheduled twice a year and includes cleaning of overgrown brush, clearing of debris and garbage from illegal dumping, and dredging the canals to allow for easier and more productive flow through the city’s drainage system. This scheduled maintenance, immediately prior to the start of the hurricane season, is critical to ensure that any and all stormwater can be efficiently moved through the system and out of the city.
The canal located at S. Las Palmas Rd., before and after maintenance.
“As we prepare for the beginning of the 2020 hurricane season, your Pharr city leaders are aware of the importance of proper care and maintenance of our drainage infrastructure,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. He continued, “The City of Pharr continues to make great strides in upgrading and improving our city’s drainage system, and ensuring our canals are clear and free of brush and debris is a vital component of our hurricane preparedness,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
City leaders want to remind residents that it is illegal to dump debris and garbage in or around the canal entrances. Many times, illegal dumping and debris buildup can cause significant blockage, impede the flow of stormwater out of the city, and cause unnecessary flooding to the surrounding area.
Garbage and debris accumulated at the canal near W. Juan Balli and South Rivera Street on the left photo; the same canal after dredging is shown on the right.
“Our drainage system works as intended if we all do our part. The city maintains the drainage system’s canals, and we call on all residents to refrain from illegal dumping,” Hernandez continued.
“As we prepare for this year’s hurricane season, ensuring our canals are kept clean will help reduce flooding in our area,” he ended.
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by media | May 19, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr to Open COVID-19 Recovery Center this Wednesday, 5/20
Center to Assist Pharr Residents, Families, and Businesses with “Your Bridge to Recovery”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020
Pharr, Texas – In an effort to provide recovery resources, support, and information to Pharr residents, businesses and families, the City of Pharr will open a COVID-19 Recovery Center – a resource center that will provide individualized and customized support on a variety of different issues that individuals, families, and businesses may be in need of assistance as our area grapples with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 Recovery Center will open beginning this Wednesday, May 20, 2020, and will operate thereafter from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage) in Pharr.
“As the coronavirus began spreading across the country and in our area, many of our Pharr residents, families, and businesses were directly impacted in many ways, including loss of jobs, loss of income, loss of revenue, among others,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “In assessing the various needs of our community, we felt it was important to be there for our constituents, reach out a helping hand, and cater our response and recovery assistance to address their individual needs,” he added.
The COVID-19 Recovery Center will provide resources for individuals and businesses and information regarding the following:
- Individual assistance
- City of Pharr Financial Assistance for Businesses
- Information for State and Federal Funding
- Work Safe Plan
- Workforce Opportunities
- Re-Open Texas Guidelines
- Business Services to help connect with customers
- Answers to business operations in Pharr
- Access to No Cost Business Consulting
The services at the COVID-19 Recovery Center are available at no cost for Pharr residents or business owners only. Must provide proof of residence to receive assistance.
Once open, walk-ins will be accepted onsite at the center, however, interested attendees are encouraged to contact the COVID-19 Recovery Center at (956) 402-4311 to set up a complimentary appointment.
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by media | May 19, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr Fire Department and Emergency Management Assist with SPI Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Fire Department and Emergency Management personnel answered the call of duty to assist with a massive fire that broke out early Saturday morning at the Gulf Point condominium building at South Padre Island. This has been one of the largest fires on the island and Pharr joined dozens of other firefighters from throughout the Rio Grande Valley in battling the fire.
“Immediately upon hearing about the fire and receiving a request for mutual aid, we assembled our Pharr Fire Department and Emergency Management teams and headed to South Padre Island to help,” said Ed Wylie, City of Pharr Emergency Management Coordinator and Interim City Manager. “We are one community in the Rio Grande Valley and we were happy to help to get the fire under control,” he continued. “They needed all hands on deck and we were proud to join in the efforts to put out the fire and save lives,” he added.
Pharr Fire Department and Emergency Management personnel help fire departments from throughout the RGV battle the fire at the Gulf Point condominium.
South Padre Island officials have confirmed that no injuries or missing persons were reported. Although a cause for the fire has not yet been identified and is still under investigation, it is believed that lightning struck the roof of the building early in the morning, sparking the fire, according to initial reports from the National Weather Service.
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by media | May 5, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
City of Pharr Partners with AdventGX & Texas A&M University Business Students to Provide Assistance to Local Businesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2020
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce a new initiative to provide free support and guidance to local small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city is partnering with AdventGX, an economic development firm based out of Bryan-College Station, Texas that is directing a team of Texas A&M University business students who are volunteering their time to support businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Specifically, AdventGX and the Texas A&M student leaders will provide small businesses in Pharr with technical assistance in the following areas:Preparing their applications for programs that are currently available through the Small Business Administration (such as the PPP Program) and other funding opportunities;Creating an information portal with resources;Providing guidance preparing basic financial reports (balance sheets, income statement, proforma); andRunning a Disaster Sustainability Model to support the decision-making process to plan financial inputs and outputs during the shutdown and post-disaster recovery with a 12 month and up to a 7-year horizon.”Teaming up with our educational partners in higher education to provide students with the opportunity to tackle and address real-world business scenarios during a pandemic, while at the same time providing much-needed support, advice, and relief to our local small businesses who have suffered tremendously during this crisis, will result in positive outcomes for all,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This is an amazing opportunity for our local small businesses as they work with AdventGX and the Texas A&M business students to create successful strategies for our local businesses to thrive,” Hernandez stated.
Since 2004, AdventGX has advised local governments, state departments, NGOs, and SMEs worldwide. Support ranges from addressing strategic questions to comprehensive assessment of economic development opportunities. AdventGX approached the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce to offer their support and services to local businesses, hoping to help many get back to normal operations.
Pictured during a meeting with clients are (top l to r): Jose Quintana, AdventGX President, and Marie Marchand, AdventGX Director of the Innovation Underground and SEAD Programs.
*Photo Courtesy of AdventGX
“COVID-19 has hit our business community especially hard,” stated Jose Quintana, President of AdventGX. “My team and I are excited to partner with the City of Pharr as we work together to help local small businesses get back on their feet and plan for the future,” he continued. “We are especially proud to provide resources through our unique partnership with the Texas A&M Student Volunteer Response Team led by a group of MAYS School of Business honor students. As you may be aware, leadership and selfless service are at the core of our A&M student culture, our students are stepping up to help our Texas communities,” added Quintana.
Businesses all over the world are dealing with the implications and aftermath caused by COVID-19. Small businesses have been hit especially hard in communities all over the nation, and are now faced with developing new safer business operation guidelines while enforcing social distancing measures and limited customer interaction.
“Our businesses have struggled tremendously during this time, and it’s our responsibility to facilitate resources that will help guide them,” said Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Rebecca Arizmendi. “While this opportunity not only allows us to help our businesses get back in operation, it also provides Texas A&M students with the experience to develop solutions that will enhance economic opportunities for our businesses for years to come,” Arizmendi added.
The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce are proud to partner with AdventGX and Texas A&M students to give back and help support local businesses that have been impacted during this crisis, providing as many resources as possible to ensure that they can get back on the road to recovery and continue to thrive.
“We look forward to this great opportunity as we partner with AdventGX and their Texas A&M Student Volunteer Team to ensure that our local small business owners and their businesses are prepared to reopen and thrive in the post-COVID-19 economy,” said Hernandez.
For more information on this partnership and available resources, businesses can call 956-483-5090 or email karina.lopez@pharr-tx.gov. Businesses can learn more about this opportunity at https://iu.adventgx.com/covid-19-city-of-pharr-small-business-info-central/.
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