Week of JULY 24, 2013 through JULY 30, 2013
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Volume 09 Number 30
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I-69 MAKES HISTORY IN RIO GRANDE VALLEY AS SOUTH TEXAS’ FIRST INTERSTATE HIGHWAY Designation of 67 new I-69 interstate miles signals economic growth, mobility, international trade in booming South Texas region
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AU S T I N — I n a n effort to enhance mobility and attract international commerce to the growing Rio Grande Valley, the Tex a s D e p a r t me nt of Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n w i t h approval f rom the Tex a s Tr a n s p or t at ion Commission today officially designated 67 miles of regional roadways as part of the new Interstate 69. The designation means d r ive r s w i l l now se e sections of US 77 and US 281 with I-69 highway signs. Being developed on existing roadways as a
critical artery for moving freight, I-69 will ultimately become a 1,600-mile-long highway stretching from Michigan to Texas. “This marks a milestone for Texas, especially South Texas, as the signs unveiled today symbolize growth, connectivity and economic development for a critical region of our great state,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin. “The Rio Grande Valley has experienced tremendous growth over the past three decades and we’re pleased
Why Texas Needs I-69 Population and traffic growth Texas grew by 4.3 million people between 2000 and 2010, an increase of 20.6%. The counties along the I-69 Texas system grew even more, by 23%, and have 8 million residents. Some c ou nt ie s a long t h e I - 69 s y s t e m h a d population increases over 50% from the 2000 to the 2010 Census. Ports along the Texas Gulf Coast and inland ports on the TexasMexico border anticipate a dramatic increase of cargo in the coming years.
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Local, state and federal officials sign the banner commemorating the new Interstate highway designations. Photo: Lori Weaver
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“It took a lot of work and a lot of great thinkers and planners, plus a lot of federal, state and local investments to create our new Interstate Highway system, but we did it. Despite the naysayers early on, those of us who had a vision for the future of the Rio Grande Valley knew this could be a reality. This new interstate will be an engine of economic growth for the entire Rio Grande Valley. It will bring new businesses and investments and create thousands of jobs in our region. It will allow us to take advantage of new transportation routes in Mexico that will bring even more trade and commerce through our ports of entry. It will end the isolation of more than 1.5 million people living without an interstate highway system. This is quite an extraordinary accomplishment. I am proud to have been a part of it!
– Rubén Hinojosa
Congressman
Several local, state and federal officials, as well as local residents, gather for a photo in front of the new I-69 signage that was unveiled by TXDOT during a ceremony on Monday, July 15, 2013, at the U.S. 83 and 281 interchange in Harlingen. Photo: Lori Weaver to take this important step toward safely mobilizing a growing population while nurturing the economic prosperity of this hub for international trade.” With more than 1 million people living in the Valley and approximately 1,000 newcomers ar riving in Texas each day, the I-69 corridor also will help accommodate the state’s
Emergency evacuation routes
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Iconic Image of Historic Texas Legislation G o v. R i c k Pe r r y (seated), a Republican and the longest-serving g ove r n o r i n Te x a s history, on Tuesday, July 16, was at The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg to participate in a billsigning ceremony that w il l me rge U T-Pa n A m e r ic a n a n d T h e University of Texas at Brownsville into one, Val ley-w ide h ig he r educat ion complex, complete with a fouryear UT medical school, which will be built in the next few years. The legislation, Senate Bill 24 by Sen.
Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Rep. Rene Oliveira, D-Brownsville, was approved by the Texas Legislature in late May, and signed into law by Perry. Senate Bil 24 was the top priority of the Edinburg City Council and the Edinbu rg Economic D e v e l o p m e n t Cor poration as par t of t hei r s u c c e s sf u l 2013 state legislative agenda. The measure included the entire Rio Grande Valley state legislative delegation as joint authors and joint sponsors.
Interstates provide greater safety because they have bridges and overpasses at crossroads and entrance and exit ramps. A fourlane divided interstate can reduce severe traffic accidents as compared to the current two- and four-lane roads. Based on 2009 statewide crash rates, interstate highways in Texas experience 20-30 percent fewer crashes than US highways in Texas.
The highways along the proposed I-69 are close to or directly serve the Texas Gulf Coast. During hurricane evacuations, an interstate would have more capacity and wider shoulders to accommodate evacuees and emergency person nel. I- 69 could shoulder more of the traffic load in a crisis situation. Emergency Evacuation Routes for Hu r r ica ne Season Economic development
Seated: Texas Governor Rick Perry. Standing, from left: Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; President Juliet V. García, The University of Texas at Brownsville; Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., Chancellor, The University of Texas System; Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco; Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes; Ernest “Ernie” Aliseda, Member, The University of Texas System Board of Regents; Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission; Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville; Rep. Óscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya; Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-San Benito; Nash M. Horne, Student Regent, The University of Texas System Board of Regents; Rep. Ryan Guillén, D-Rio Grande City; Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen; and President Robert S. Nelsen, The University of Texas-Pan American. Photo: Josue Esparza/UTPA
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High quality transportation infrastructure and conve n ie nt i nt e r st at e access are a must for today’s businesses. One East Texas town, which is along the proposed I-69, lost out on a new manufact u rer par tly because it lacked interstate highway ser vice. T he ma nufact u rer i n stea d chose Tunica, Miss. which is located on a recentlycomplet e d se ct ion of I-69. Source: Texas Department of Transportation www.dot.state.tx.us/drivenbytexans/