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 | 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 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, Media Releases, News, Police News
Pharr Police Department Makes History with First Nationally Horse Patrol Certified Officers in the RGV
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department is proud to announce that four of its officers have graduated from a four-week joint-agency National Horse Patrol Certification program through the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sector. Graduates of the program are Sgt. Max Longoria, officer Luis Cardoza, officer Gabriel Lopez, and officer Irving Segura, as well as two Border Patrol agents.
This is a history-making moment for the City of Pharr and its Police Department as these officers are the first to be Nationally Horse Patrol Certified since the creation of the Pharr Police Department in the early 1900s and the first horse patrolled police department unit in the region.
The Pharr Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Andy Harvey, has been working actively to introduce new, safer, innovative, and community-friendly policing initiatives.
“This marks a new direction in our history at the Pharr Police Department,” said Chief Harvey. “We are grateful to have been given this opportunity and for our wonderful partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection for working with us on making this initiative a reality,” he continued. “Our new Pharr PD Mounted Unit will serve our community proudly and we are so proud of our officers who will lead our newest policing efforts to ensure our safety and enhance our services to the community,” Harvey said.
During the graduation ceremony, Class 20 (made up of four Pharr PD Officers and two Border Patrol Agents) proudly showcased their newly learned talents by performing a demonstration before a crowd of City of Pharr officials, family, federal partners, members of the Pharr Police Department.
Agents and officers endured a rigorous 4-week training program to successfully complete the certification course. The six graduates spent numerous hours in the classroom learning first-aid, feeding, housing, trailering, and how to properly care for the horses. As they advanced to on-the-job training, the group received instruction regarding field/river patrol, sign-cutting, riot/crowd control, and various job-related duties. The time spent with the horses allowed them to build a solid foundation and better understand the horse’s capabilities and limitations.
“This is a great responsibility and honor,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We are thrilled to be the first Police Department in the region to have a Mounted Unit and look forward to increasing the number of officers in the unit in the future,” added Hernandez. “This has been something we have been planning for a long time and we are thankful to all our federal partners who collaborated with us in making this a reality,” he said.
The Pharr Police Department Unit is expected to begin patrolling the city within the next 30-60 days. As the department’s newest policing initiative, the unit will also work extensively within the community to provide outreach, educational, and safety resources.
by media | Feb 16, 2021 | Media Releases, News
Pharr, Texas – In the wake of unprecedented winter weather and freezing temperatures this evening, City of Pharr officials are urging residents to conserve as much water as possible.
Please refrain from washing laundry or using excessive water during this time. Officials thank all residents for their patience and understanding.
Please stay safe!
by media | Jan 4, 2021 | Media Releases, News
Presidential Permit Approved by President Trump for Expansion of Pharr International Bridge
Pharr, Texas – Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr officials are excited to announce that on December 31, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential permit for the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge. The news comes after a brief yet influential period of impressing upon the federal government the urgency and need for the expansion by city leaders, U.S. senators, and other key stakeholders. The 2020 permit amends the current permit to allow for the addition of another bridge at the international port of entry. This second span will give Pharr a competitive advantage by adding additional lanes to completely separate trucks and cars, dedicating specific lanes for empties, full cargo, certified cargo, and passenger vehicles, thereby adding capacity and reducing wait times. With this permit, Pharr will now have an official gate-to-gate FAST lane, or set of FAST lanes, from Mexico to the United States.
Typically, a permit process can take multiple years before approval; Pharr’s application was fast-tracked due to the dedicated efforts of city leaders and staff, consulting engineers Structural Engineering Associates, Inc., and others, who prioritized this project and worked diligently with U.S. and Mexican officials, despite the challenges of being in the midst of a global pandemic. The City of Pharr worked with Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn and their staff on this project, which began in September 2019 with a meeting between Pharr’s team and the White House arranged by Senator Cruz. Senator Cornyn led efforts and coordinated meetings between Pharr and the U. S. Department of State, which led to the formal notification to the U.S. Department of State in April 2020 of Pharr’s intent to expand the international bridge. Between April and August of 2020, Pharr leaders and representatives consulted with major U. S. and Mexican stakeholders, culminating in more than 60 letters of support from elected officials at the local, state, federal, and international levels. The project also received support from all major transportation and trade associations, border infrastructure groups, and private industry partners that utilize the bridge on a daily basis. The Pharr City Commission authorized the submission of the presidential permit amendment application to the U. S. Department of State, which was submitted on September 30, 2020, and just three months later, the permit was issued.
“It is unprecedented that a sitting President of the United States grants a Presidential Permit Amendment with record time, and we thank him for doing so,” said Mayor Hernandez. “This new year began on a positive note with the issuing of this permit for the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge,” Hernandez continued. “The City of Pharr is appreciative of the diligent efforts made possible by the government relations and bridge teams at the city level, in coordination with Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, which opened the doors of communication with our presidential administration and federal agencies to accomplish this goal with unprecedented speed due to the forthright and transparent communication regarding the need and urgency of this project,” he continued.
“This permit amends the current permit to allow for the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge, and will further support the record numbers of international trade and commerce that transpires on our port of entry,” Hernandez added. “It is a wonderful new year, indeed!” he continued.
“Pharr’s ports of entry serve as a gateway for billions of dollars in cross-border trade that benefits our state’s economy,” said Senator Cornyn. “Expanding the Pharr International Bridge will enhance trade and travel and benefit all who use the facility,” he added.
Senator Cruz remarked, “Texas is home to some of the nation’s busiest border crossings and the Pharr International Bridge serves as an important port of entry to facilitate the United States’ trade and commerce with Mexico. I am grateful the Trump Administration recognized the importance of expanding the Pharr International Bridge to further enhance the U.S.-Mexico trade partnership and increase commerce between the two nations,” Senator Cruz said. “I’d like to commend the leadership of Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, City of Pharr City Council, the staff at the City of Pharr, and community leaders for their diligent work on this project and working with our office to help ensure this project was permitted in record time. I was proud to support the Pharr International Bridge expansion project as millions of jobs, in Texas and across the country, depend upon trade with Mexico. I will continue working to ensure future trade opportunities benefit Texas and put American jobs first.”
The Presidential Permit issued on December 31, 2020, can be found at:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-permit-123120/
