8 minute read
HIDALGO COUNTY: Small-town values meet large-city opportunities
By Thomas Denton
When the east and westward connectors from I-69 South feeding into Expressway 83 were completed after years of construction, a collective sigh of relief echoed from Rio Grande City to Brownsville. The long-awaited relief came after countless lane closures and detours inconvenienced hundreds of thousands of Valley residents and the movement of commerce. However, that sigh was quickly followed by a realization: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is growing at an unprecedented pace. This growth has brought a sense of both excitement and anxiety to the four counties and ten cities, as well as the dozens of towns and colonias that make up the RGV.
A big part of the charm of the RGV is that it combines a small-town feel with big-city resources. In McAllen or Brownsville, citizens can enjoy eclectic nightlife and modern culture at places like the IMAS museum or in one of the several hotspots featuring collections of bars and restaurants. Today, the RGV stands as one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. As of the 2020 census, Hidalgo County was the ninth most populous county in Texas, and its growth shows no signs of slowing down. To address this, local leaders began taking proactive steps to plan for the future, focusing on making the area a thriving, welcoming, and safe community for both longtime residents and newcomers.
One community leader who has been instrumental in these efforts is Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. Having served two terms as the mayor of McAllen, Judge Cortez was elected as the county’s top official in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. One of his most notable projects has been overseeing the construction of the new county courthouse in downtown Edinburg. His vision extends far beyond infrastructure—he is committed to positioning the RGV as a prosperous and secure place to live. Part of his initiative is to showcase the unique charm brought by a combination of small-town values and large-city opportunities. He is also set on clearing up the misinformation that South Texas is a dangerous area to live in. “I get calls from people across the country asking if it’s safe here because of the national news coverage about our region, but I always tell them McAllen is one of the safest cities in America,” Judge Cortez says.
The need to replace the courthouse was undeniable. The previous courthouse, built in 1957, was aging and riddled with wear and tear, making it apparent that a change was long overdue. The building’s antiquated facilities forced jury trials to rely on outdated VCR-era technology, making it ill-equipped to handle the community’s growing needs. Additionally, the old courthouse posed logistical challenges. Inmates were transported through the same halls and used the same bathrooms as the public and even jury members, which could lead to uncomfortable and tense encounters. “This state-of-the-art facility ensures that our residents have access to efficient and effective justice services,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner David Fuentes.
The new courthouse, however, has been meticulously designed to address these issues. Inmates now enter through a back entrance, avoiding any direct contact with the public, and are placed in secure cells far from the public eye. Judge Cortez has high praise for the new building, calling it “a piece of artwork.” With state-of-the-art technology and modern amenities, the new facility boasts seven floors, over 368,000 square feet, and 32 courtrooms. The spacious design allows for all courtrooms to be in one location, making it more convenient for attorneys and residents who previously had to race between separate buildings around Edinburg. Inside, visitors are greeted by a TSA-level security checkpoint, with interactive monitors throughout the building guiding people to their destinations. Past the lobby is a series of escalators leading to the second and third floors, behind them a hall with eight roomy elevators to slow congestion. Other modern features include an updated law library, a spacious county clerk’s office, and a café where county employees and visitors can relax over a cup of coffee. “The new courthouse is a testament to our commitment to justice, progress, and serving our Hidalgo County community,” says Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo Villarreal. “It’s a proud milestone that will benefit generations to come.”
From the outside, it’s easy to be struck by the top-to-bottom mirrored windows reflecting the dynamic of the old town square hominess of downtown Edinburg to the sleek modern design of the new building. TX-Dot has also begun work to improve Highway 107 from I-69 to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
A look from the top floor boasts an epic view of Edinburg from the Interstate to the university. Allowing one to admire the scope of what Judge Cortez and others are working towards. The view is well worth the ride to the top.
Despite several challenges during construction—most notably the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns—the county leaders remain optimistic about the future. “We’re excited to finally open the doors of our new courthouse,” says Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu. “While there were delays beyond our control, we appreciate the public’s patience and trust.”
The new courthouse is not just a symbol of the region’s growth but also of the community’s dedication to justice and progress. Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres adds, “Courthouses are more than just buildings. They are the foundation of our democracy, where the rule of law is upheld, where citizens find resolution, and where justice is served. This new facility represents our commitment to ensuring these principles endure for generations to come.”
Outside the courthouse, a garden-like area will be developed as a memorial to those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as fallen veterans. By the end of March, the courthouse is expected to be fully operational, with all county business being conducted at the new location by early April.
RIOPLEX
However, the new courthouse is only one part of Judge Cortez’s broader vision for Hidalgo County. One of his key initiatives is the rebranding of South Texas and the neighboring Mexico region as “RioPlex.” This initiative aims to unite the four counties of the RGV with its neighbors in northern Mexico to provide job opportunities and training programs for the region’s rapidly expanding workforce. Judge Cortez is focused on making RioPlex a safe and prosperous region for residents and businesses alike, working to combat negative perceptions about border safety.
“Despite the negative publicity surrounding immigration, this is one of the safest areas in the world,” says Judge Cortez. “I feel absolutely safe here, and I want others to see the potential that exists.” His focus is on creating jobs that will help retain young, talented individuals in the area and prevent them from leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. “My job is to make things better for everyone,” he explains. “We have to create jobs that make a lasting impact on our community.”
RioPlex falls under the umbrella of the Prosperity Task Force, a network of leaders from both sides of the border working to promote the region’s assets—such as its ports, international bridges, and airports. The task force aims to stop individual cities from competing with each other for business and instead work together to build a unified, prosperous region. Judge Cortez is also committed to improving the lives of those living below the poverty line in Hidalgo County, with initiatives focused on public services, outreach programs, and creating job opportunities.
“The priority is to lift people out of poverty,” he says. “A lot of this work is being driven by the public sector, with support from the private sector.”
The Prosperity Task Force, launched by Judge Cortez in February 2020, is in its early stages. The RioPlex initiative is still fresh, but the groundwork is being laid for a stronger future. Judge Cortez says they are just getting started and have a lot of exciting work to start on.
By the time the new courthouse opens, Judge Cortez, the Hidalgo County Executive Office, and the four precinct commissioners are confident that they are paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for current and future generations of residents in the Rio Grande Valley.
