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PHARR LEADS LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS IN AUSTIN

WORKING TO IMPROVE OUR INTERNATIONAL TRADING CAPACITY

City of Pharr 118 S. Cage Blvd. | Pharr, TX | 78577 (956) 402-4000 pharr-tx.gov @cityofpharr

Dear Pharr Citizens and Families:

I am happy to report that our efforts to advocate for funding, legislative changes, and improvements during the 87th Texas Legislative Session have been successful.

Our outstanding and dedicated team of advocates worked closely with our South Texas Legislative Delegation and with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass legislation that will positively impact our region and our city.

Every other year, the Texas Legislature convenes for 140 days to pass bills, allocate funding, and approve the state budget for the following year. During this small window of time, our City of Pharr advocates were successful in passing three bills that are vital to our economy, bridge infrastructure, and international trade.

The Pharr International Bridge continues to increase its overall crossings annually by 3-5% and remains one of the top ports of entry in most major commodities such as produce and automotive. The bridge now crosses 65% of the nation’s produce imported from Mexico and over $36 billion in annual trade. Through these legislative efforts, we will be able to expand our capacity, improve operations, and can continue to seek funding for improvements.

Our economy depends on this international commerce, and we are proud to continue to be proactive and successful in our efforts to remain one of the nation’s leading port of entries.

This session was a great success for our city and our economy, and we are thankful to all our Texas legislators for their support.

Sincerely,

Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.

PHARR ADVOCATES FOR PASSAGE OF BILL TO EXPEDITE BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS

Pharr advocated and led the efforts for the passage of Senate Bill 2243 in the Texas Legislature. The bill amends the Transportation Code by providing an exemption from commission approval for the reconstruction or improvement of existing bridges over the Rio Grande, including the Pharr International Bridge.

BENEFIT: Speeds up construction at the Pharr Bridge and increases bridge operations.

PHARR WORKS WITH LEGISLATORS TO CONTINUE FUNDING THE STAC PROGRAM

The City of Pharr successfully led the efforts for the passage of House Bill 1371/Senate Bill 1566 in the Texas Legislature, a bill that provides continued congestion relief at ports of entry along the South Texas-Mexico border by extending the Trade Agricultural Inspection Grant Program, better known as the South Texas Assets Consortium (STAC) Program, through 2025.

BENEFIT: More efficient inspections and crossings at the Pharr International Bridge.

PHARR TAKES LEAD IN CREATION & PASSAGE OF LEGISLATURE TO ENHANCE BRIDGE FUNDING

The City of Pharr has successfully led the efforts for the passage of House Bill 2843 / Senate Bill 1334 in the Texas Legislature, a bill that addresses funding mechanisms to invest in our ports of entry infrastructure. This bill will benefit both city- and county-owned ports of entry like the Pharr International Bridge.

BENEFIT: Provides a new funding mechanism to invest in bridge infrastructure.

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